Valentine's Day: the world tour of tradition

On February 14, it is Valentine’s Day! The opportunity for couples to celebrate their love. But did you know that traditions differ across countries?

Valentine's Day is a big step! This tradition with Anglo-Saxon origins has internationalized, as in France for example. Couples thus offer gifts, chocolates and slip through tender thoughts in order to remind the elect of his heart how much we love him. It is also custom to offer red roses, flower associated with passion.

But in some countries, Valentine's Day is celebrating differently. Others do not celebrate Valentine’s Day, the day of love being associated with another date. This is what we offer to discover today!

They have their own tradition

The Japan

In the country of the rising sun, it is only women who offer gifts! Indeed, on Valentine's Day, women offer chocolates to men around them. But reassure yourself, men are not exempt! A month later, men must offer a white gift to all women who have offered them a gift. Call it. White Day .

Note that the same tradition exists South Korea , a difference. There is an additional step on April 14, where on Black Day singles share a jajangmyeon dish, noodles served with a soy sauce fermented.

L’South Africa

In South Africa, Valentine’s Day is not so different from the Western Day. Dinner, dance, gifts. Celebrations are all classic. However, a national tradition wants women to wear, using a pin, the name of their dear and tender on a sleeve.

Scotland

Even in Scotland. The country celebrates Valentine's Day as in the rest of the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, a small Scottish tradition comes to spice up everything. He thinks that the first person you've met this day can be your Valentine! A way to deal with singles too.

Iraq

It’s red time! In Iraq, on 14 February all merchants and residents must wager or decorate their red shops. A color not anodine, since it is the color of love.

♪ Philippines

This is the most amazing tradition. On Valentine's Day, we get married... in a group! Yes, yes in group. This fact is not rare in the country. Indeed, many couples do not have the means to offer a classic ceremony. Therefore, the idea of paying in a group was born so that we could still get married.

February 14 is the day when the most marriages of groups are counted. The record? 164. And all financed by the government.

L’Italy

Italy is part of these countries, such as France, having adopted the tradition of Valentine’s Day. Italians and Italians exchange gifts and invite themselves to the restaurant. But our transalpine neighbours also have a tradition to them, namely to offer a Baci Perugina, the typical chocolate of the city of Perugia.

L’Germany

In Germany, if Valentine's Day is celebrating, the commercial side is less important. This does not prevent German lovers from offering something in the name of love. But on the other side of the Rhine, the flagship object of February 14 are neither chocolates, nor roses but.a pig. So don’t be surprised to see gifts to the effigy of the animal or to see it appear in decoration on a cake. In addition, Schwein and Watz (sleeve in German and Bavarian respectively) are common nicknames to talk about his half. Without any negative connotation!

The Denmark

In Denmark, we take advantage of February 14 to send a card statement that is not signed. A guess must make it possible to guess the author of the letter. If the recipient unmasks the sender, he will receive chocolates at Easter.

In addition, men do not offer red roses but snow pies, pretty white flowers.

L’Estonia

In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is known as the Sobrapaev, which means the day of friendship. The Estonians therefore celebrate their friendships and offer cards, chocolates or gifts between loved ones. Another country where February 14 is not a sign of depression for single gente.

Finland

There's going to be sport! The Finns take advantage of Valentine's Day to organize a women's championship! The principle? A race in which the husband has to carry his wife. The winner wins the weight of this last... beer!

They celebrate love another day

In some countries, Valentine’s Day is not the day used to celebrate love. Indeed, another date is provided for this purpose.

The Brazil

In Brazil, 14 February is unnoticed. The reason is simple, the Carnival of Rio falls very often at this time. Thus, the Brazilians catch up on June 12, during the Saint-Antoine.

China

Although today Valentine’s Day is increasingly important in China, thanks to the opening to the West, there is another day to celebrate love. This is what is called the Qixi . The name comes from a legend that a vacher, named Niulang, lived with his brother and sister-in-law. Problem, the latter did not like his brother-in-law and began to mistreat him. Which made Niulang go, with a cow to keep him company.

This tradition unfortunately tends to lose itself. The new generations increasingly prefer to celebrate their love on February 14.

Colombia

Valentine’s Day is also not associated with sentimental celebrations in Colombia. The love party is called El Día de Amor y Amistad . She celebrates love as well as friendship, and continues on the third Saturday of September.

Russia

Mother Patria also, at the beginning, did not celebrate love on February 14. If today Russian couples pay attention to Valentine’s Day, another day is traditionally planned for this purpose. The lovers will meet on July 8, to offer flowers or gifts, as it can be done for Valentine’s Day.

What about you? What did you plan for Valentine’s Day?