Today is a day of love- Valentine. A day celebrated worldwide regardless of its origin.
Everywhere is flooded with heart-shaped candies, stuffed toys, balloons, clothes and varieties of chocolates and goodies. While these sightings in stores are common, people in nations celebrate their love differently.
These Valentine day celebrations reflect local ideas about love. Let’s take a look at how some countries or climes celebrate their valentine’s day now, shall we?
France
It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent a love letter to his wife from the prison in 1415. This act led to the naming of a French village as “St. Valentin” in the Loire Valley, which later turned into the epicentre of romance between 12th and 14th February. With red roses to make even the hardest of hearts fall in love, one can easily see the beautiful yards and trees, share a kiss at the Love garden, and homes decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes making it one of the most beautiful Valentine’s Day traditions in the world.
Argentina
Argentinians don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in February. Rather, they celebrate what they call “the week of sweetness” in July. It is the day when lovers’ exchange kisses and receive chocolates and other sweets. The day started as a commercial invention but later became a Valentine tradition. The best places to visit for a romantic valentine dinner in Argentina are Puerto Madero, Rosedal, Iguaza Falls, Tierra del Feugo National Park, and Ushuaia.
South Korea
In South Korea, romantic couples celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. “The day of roses” is celebrated in May, “the day of kisses” is celebrated in June, “the day of hugs in December” and single people celebrate “the black day” in April by eating black noodles.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is the time when many young couples marry in an event sponsored by the government as a form of public service. This is among one of the most amazing Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world. It is a gala event in the country and a special day for young people.
Wales
The country celebrates its day of love on Jan 25, which is called the “day of Dydd Santes Dwynwen” and this tradition is being practised since the 16th century. On this day, lovers’ exchange unique and beautifully handcrafted wooden spoons with each other.
Ghana
Ghana is among the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. As such, Feb 14 is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day.” This had been a step that the Ghana government took since the year 2007 in order to increase tourism in the country. On Feb 14, one can attend performances, music events, and restaurants that have themed menus to celebrate the special day.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, valentine’s day is taken firmly to heart. On this special day, the first thing someone says in the morning is a “Happy Valentine”. The colour red is the unofficial theme of the day as it becomes easily noticeable. On this day, the most exorbitant gift wins as people spend a huge chunk of their savings from the New Year.
