Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide. The usual is the flowers, chocolates, proposals, romantic dates, dinners. But is it always like that? Every country has their own traditions and their own way to celebrate Valentine’s Day so they probably don’t celebrate it the same way as you do. Here are some of the countries I chose to show you about their traditions.
South Africa:
Nature has gifted South Africa with some of the most beautiful scenes and sights. The place is like paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Every year, couples who look for complete and total privacy head towards the small coastal villages in the region. The main attractions in South Africa around Valentine’s Day are the islands of Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Valentine parties are also accompanied by groovy moves on the dance floor and alcoholic beverages. Preparations for these parties start months ahead and everyone gets to participate and enjoy equally. The festival is also a great way to unify people of different cultural backgrounds. The African style decorations: chocolates, flowers, and cards.
South Africa:
Nature has gifted South Africa with some of the most beautiful scenes and sights. The place is like paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Every year, couples who look for complete and total privacy head towards the small coastal villages in the region. The main attractions in South Africa around Valentine’s Day are the islands of Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Valentine parties are also accompanied by groovy moves on the dance floor and alcoholic beverages. Preparations for these parties start months ahead and everyone gets to participate and enjoy equally. The festival is also a great way to unify people of different cultural backgrounds. The African style decorations: chocolates, flowers, and cards.
Great Britain:
In Great Britain on Valentine's Day, women used to pin four bay leaves to the corners of their pillow and eat eggs, with salt replacing the yolks. They believed they would dream of their future husbands. Also, women used to write their lovers’ names on paper and put them on clay balls which they would drop into the water. They believed that whichever name came up first, that man would be their future husband.
In Great Britain on Valentine's Day, women used to pin four bay leaves to the corners of their pillow and eat eggs, with salt replacing the yolks. They believed they would dream of their future husbands. Also, women used to write their lovers’ names on paper and put them on clay balls which they would drop into the water. They believed that whichever name came up first, that man would be their future husband.
South Korea:
In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14 (White Day). On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of February or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and “mourn” their single life. Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date '11/11′ is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie. The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea, although most of them are hard to figure out. From January to December: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.
In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14 (White Day). On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of February or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and “mourn” their single life. Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date '11/11′ is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie. The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea, although most of them are hard to figure out. From January to December: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.
See? Valentine ’s Day is not only about chocolates and flowers, it’s about just being happy and celebrating depending on the country you are in. In my opinion I want to go to Korea to celebrate Valentine’s Day because it would be interesting to see people eating the black noodles.
By: Andrea Scire
By: Andrea Scire