Valentine’s Day, which belongs to the festival of love, has been interpreted in different countries and different cultural backgrounds. Today, let’s travel through time and space to celebrate Valentine’s Day around the world and feel the sweetness and romance across national borders.
Asia: The Fusion Of Tradition And Modernity
1. Japan: Chocolate’s Sweet Offensive and ‘White Day’
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is not only a day to express love, but also a sweet “war” over chocolate. On February 14, women will give chocolates to men, lovers, colleagues, bosses, etc. to express their love or gratitude. These chocolates can be roughly divided into two categories: one is “life chocolate”, that is, specially for their favorite people carefully selected or hand-made chocolate; The second is “Giri chocolate”, which is an ordinary chocolate given to maintain human relationships.
And on March 14, also known as “White Day”, this sweet “war” ushered in a “counter-war”. On White Day, men who receive chocolate are expected to reciprocate by giving the woman a gift, usually candy, dessert or white chocolate, in response to the Valentine’s Day gift. On this day, the streets and alleys are filled with a more intense sweet smell, and the couples snuggle together to share this special romance.
2. South Korea: Special Valentine’s Day gift – “couple ring”
In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is also a very important holiday. However, compared with other countries, South Koreans pay more attention to practical and commemorative gifts on Valentine’s Day. Among them, “couple ring” is one of the Valentine’s Day gifts that Korean couples like very much.
Couple rings not only symbolize the love and commitment of both sides, but also represent the tacit understanding and trust between each other. On Valentine’s Day, many couples head to jewelry stores to pick out rings and put them on each other’s hands. This move not only deepened the relationship between the two, but also became an important milestone in their love journey.
In addition to matching rings, South Koreans also choose other gifts with special meaning to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For example, hand-made meals, customized couple clothes, flowers with beautiful meanings, etc. These gifts carry the deep feeling and good wishes of the Korean people for love.
3. India: Unique “Day of Brothers” and “Day of Sisters”
In India, although Valentine’s Day is also loved by young people, but the Indian Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with love, but has been given a deeper family affection color. In some parts of India, February 14 is known as “Brother’s Day” or “Sister’s Day” and is a special day for brothers and sisters to express their love and gratitude.
On “Brother’s Day” or “Sister’s Day,” brothers and sisters exchange gifts, have dinner together or hold family gatherings to celebrate this day of kinship. They also express their gratitude and blessings to each other by writing letters, making handmade cards or recording videos. These activities not only deepen the feelings between siblings, but also make the family atmosphere more warm and harmonious.
4. Thailand: Special Valentine’s Day custom — “Hair Cut Day”
In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is also celebrated in its own way. In some parts of Thailand, February 14 is known as “Hair Cutting Day”, when couples choose to get their hair cut together to express their love and care for each other.
It is said that this custom originated from an old Thai legend. According to legend, a long time ago, a pair of lovers in love were forced to separate due to family reasons. On the occasion of parting, they agreed to cut their hair together on February 14 every year, as a stick to and memorial to their love for each other. Later, this custom gradually spread and became a special custom of Valentine’s Day in Thailand.
Thai couples celebrate Valentine’s Day in other ways than getting their hair cut. For example, go to the movies together, have dinner together, give gifts to each other, etc. These activities not only make the couples feel romantic and sweet, but also make their love more firm and deep.
Europe: The Collision Of Romance And Tradition
1. France: The birthplace of Valentine’s Day, a sweet celebration in the city of romance
France is known as the “capital of romance”, and Valentine’s Day naturally plays an important role here. As one of the birthplaces of Valentine’s Day, the French are always full of creativity and romance when celebrating the holiday.
Romance permeates the streets of France on Valentine’s Day. Couples will be holding flowers, carrying gifts, strolling through the streets of Paris, enjoying the sweet time of their own. Flowers and chocolates are an integral part of French Valentine’s Day. Couples often choose to send each other a bouquet of red roses or a box of exquisite chocolates to express their love and good wishes.
In addition, French couples also choose other commemorative ways to celebrate. For example, go to the cinema to watch a romantic movie, have a candlelit dinner together, or hold a private concert. These activities not only make couples feel romantic and sweet, but also make their love deeper and stronger.
2. Italy: Venice’s “Lover’s Lock Bridge” and romantic “Venice Night”
Venice in Italy is also a city full of romance. On Valentine’s Day, couples will head to Venice’s famous attractions, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Ponte del Sospiro, to leave their mark on love.
Among them, the “Lover’s Lock Bridge” on the Rialto Bridge is a highlight of Venice Valentine’s Day. Couples would buy a lock here, carve each other’s names or vows, lock it on the bridge, and then throw the key into the Grand Canal to symbolize the eternal and firm love. Although this custom is a little old, it is still popular among lovers.
In addition to the “lover’s lock bridge”, Venice’s “Venice Night” is also a highlight of Valentine’s Day. In Venice at night, couples can take a gondola tour along the Grand Canal, enjoying the views and lights on both sides. In a romantic atmosphere, couples snuggle and tell each other about their love and dreams.
3. Spain: Barcelona’s “Love Wall” and sweet “Chocolate Road”
Barcelona in Spain is also a city full of romance. On Valentine’s Day, couples head to Barcelona’s famous attraction, Muralla de los Amores, to leave their mark on love.
The Love Wall, located in a small alley in central Barcelona, is covered with heart-shaped stickers and messages in various colors. Couples can write down their love and wishes to each other here, and then post it on the wall to share the sweetness and romance with other couples. This custom has not only made the Love Wall a major attraction in Barcelona, but also an important place for couples to express their love and commemorate their love.
In addition to the love wall, Barcelona’s “Chocolate Road” is also a highlight of Valentine’s Day. This is a street dedicated to selling chocolates and desserts, where couples can taste a variety of delicious chocolates and desserts. In the sweet atmosphere, couples snuggle and enjoy the romantic time that belongs to them.
4. United Kingdom: A combination of tradition and modernity, a multi-faceted celebration of Valentine’s Day
In the UK, Valentine’s Day is also a very important holiday. However, compared to romantic capitals such as France and Italy, the UK has a more diverse and practical approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day.
In the UK, flowers and chocolates are still an integral part of Valentine’s Day. However, in addition to the traditional flowers and chocolates, Brits also choose other practical and meaningful gifts to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For example, books, music boxes, perfume and so on. These gifts not only reflect the British people’s unique understanding of love, but also make their Valentine’s Day celebration more diverse and fun.
Brits also celebrate Valentine’s Day in other ways. For example, go to the movies together, have dinner together, give gifts to each other, etc. These activities not only make couples feel romantic and sweet, but also make their love deeper and stronger.
America: The Fusion Of Passion And Innovation
1. The United States: The commercialization and personalized celebration of Valentine’s Day
In the United States, Valentine’s Day has become a highly commercialized holiday. Major shopping malls, supermarkets and e-commerce platforms will launch various Valentine’s Day promotions, attracting countless couples to shop for gifts. Flowers, chocolates, jewelry, clothing and other goods have become hot sellers on Valentine’s Day.
But despite the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, Americans still celebrate the holiday according to their own preferences and personalities. Some people choose traditional ways to celebrate, such as having dinner together and exchanging gifts. Others will choose a more innovative and fun way to celebrate. For example, go to a Valentine’s Day themed party together, camp out to watch the stars, make a special dinner together, etc.
In addition, some American cities hold special Valentine’s Day events. For example, Times Square in New York City will be lit with heart-shaped lights, and the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles will hold Valentine’s Day star viewing activities. These activities not only let the couples feel romantic and sweet, but also let them spend an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Valentine’s Day extravaganza and a “Declaration of Love”
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a city full of enthusiasm and energy. On Valentine’s Day, couples in Rio de Janeiro will put down their work and enjoy the holiday that belongs to them.
In the streets of Rio de Janeiro, couples will hold flowers, carry gifts, cuddle up to each other and stroll through every corner of the city. They will watch the sunrise on the beach, watch the sunset on the top of the mountain, taste food in the restaurant, and spend a romantic and sweet time together.
In addition, there is a special custom on Valentine’s Day in Rio de Janeiro – the “declaration of love”. On Valentine’s Day, couples express their love and commitment to each other and post “declarations of love” on social media as a way to stick to and remember their love for each other. This custom not only makes the lovers’ love more firm and profound, but also makes the Valentine’s Day in Rio de Janeiro full of more romance and touching.
3. Mexico: Oaxaca’s “Love Market” and romantic “Valentine’s Night”
The Mexican state of Oaxaca is a place full of culture and history. On Valentine’s Day, couples in Oaxaca shop for gifts and flowers at the Mercado de las Flores, a popular local attraction.
The Love Market is a place full of romance. There are not only a variety of flowers and gifts for couples to choose from, but also handicrafts, food and other goods for tourists to taste and buy. Couples can choose their favorite gifts and flowers here, and then stroll through every corner of the market together to feel the sweet time that belongs to them.
In addition to the love market, Oaxaca’s “Valentine’s Night” is also a highlight. At night in Oaxaca, couples can take part in a variety of romantic celebrations. For example, going to a concert together, having dinner together, giving gifts to each other, etc. In a romantic atmosphere, couples snuggle and tell each other about their love and dreams.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day is a global holiday. Although it originated in Western countries, it is now widely celebrated by people all over the world. Different countries have their own unique ways to celebrate, which not only reflect their cultural characteristics, but also show people’s cherish and pursuit of love
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