What are the traditions on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day: traditions of different countries of the world The history of the holiday
Valentine's Day is a holiday that has no national borders! And, of course, the inhabitants of each country are trying to bring their own “zest” to its celebration.
France
So, on February 14 in France, lovers are given jewelry, and they also offer a hand and a heart. However, St. Valentine's Day for the French is not only a holiday of two loving people, but also of everyone who is loved - relatives, friends, acquaintances. They also give sweets, underwear, chocolate mousses, romantic trips, lottery tickets, sausage cut into hearts, pink yogurts, artificial flowers.
Great Britain
In the UK, on St. Valentine's Day, they tell fortunes about the betrothed: the first person a girl sees from the window at sunrise on February 14 will become her Valentine. Sweet hearts, soft toys, especially Teddy bears (very beloved in Britain), and of course Valentine cards are considered popular gifts. Since in England they are devoted to traditions, after receiving a valentine, some sign with the name of a lover is attached to the clothes. In addition to their beloved, the British also congratulate their favorite animals (horses, dogs, cats).
Wales
Wales has its own tradition on February 14 - "spoons of love". Lovers cut a spoon out of wood, decorate it with keys and keyholes, hearts and give it to each other.
Italy
In Italy, on Valentine's Day, it is customary to give heart-shaped sweets, flowers - roses, perfumes, diamonds. This holiday is celebrated here only by lovers, and relatives and friends do not exchange gifts. Another very popular gift is Baci Perugina, a hazelnut covered in chocolate. Each candy contains a note with a love statement in four languages.
Germany
In Germany, on St. Valentine's Day, the Germans decorate psychiatric hospitals with red ribbons, and worship services are held in chapels, since St. Valentine for the Germans is not the patron saint of lovers, but of the mentally and nervously ill.
Holland
In Holland, on February 14, a woman can approach a man herself and ask him to marry her. If the man refuses, he must give the lady a silk dress.
Denmark
In Denmark, on Valentine's Day they give "love cards" - colorful, musical with charming messages. And they give their friends and loved ones snowdrop flowers, gifts, postcards.
Iceland
In Iceland, Valentine's Day symbolizes passionate love. On February 14, bonfires are kindled here in the name of Odin's son - Vali (Vili). Girls put coals on the necks of the guys on this day, and they hang small stones on the necks of their beloved, because in order to kindle the flame on this day, it is necessary that a spark appear when the stone rubs against the stone.
Poland
In Poland, they are sure that the relics of St. Valentine, and above the throne is his miraculous icon, a pilgrimage to which on February 14 helps in love affairs.
Finland
In Finland, on February 14, Friends Day is celebrated, which has been officially included in the holiday calendar since 1987. On this day, it is customary to give each other sweets, send "valentines", toys and other gifts with the image of hearts.
Sweden
In Sweden, on Valentine's Day, roses, marmalades and heart-shaped cakes are given as a sign of attention and love.
USA
In the United States, on February 14, people give each other caramel red and white (colors of passion and purity) caramel hearts packed in heart-shaped boxes, as well as marzipan hearts, candy, chocolate and, of course, flowers. On this day in America, about 24 thousand roses are bought per minute! By tradition, Happy Valentine's Day congratulates all those who are simply loved.
Canada
In Canada, St. Valentine is celebrated on a grand scale. Balls and parties are organized all over the country to give people the opportunity to express their feelings and fully enjoy the holiday. The most popular gifts are roses, chocolates and valentines. In addition, on St. Valentine gifts are exchanged with their friends.
Jamaica
Japan
In Japan, Valentine's Day is a holiday for men; representatives of the stronger sex receive useful gifts from their halves - shaving accessories, purses, perfumes. In addition, all girls and women give giri choko (obligatory chocolate) chocolates to all young men with whom they are simply familiar, and honmei chocolate (chocolate with benefits) - only to the most beloved man. Women, on the other hand, receive their gifts only a month later - on March 14 on White Day, when men present them with white chocolate.
Australia
In Australia, St. Valentine is a very popular holiday, here, as in most other countries, they give Valentine cards and flowers to their loved ones.
South Africa
In South Africa, February 14 is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is considered traditional to invite a loved one on a romantic date. Girls attach a piece of paper with the name of their beloved on the sleeve. Parties and celebrations dedicated to the holiday last at least a week.
India
In India, St. Valentine means love - the day when you can show the most intimate feelings for your loved one. Often on this day, guys ask for the hand of their beloved. As in other countries, in India they give each other valentines, sweets, flowers, soft toys and gifts.
Spain
In some countries, Valentine's Day is celebrated at other times of the year. So, in Spain, on February 14, men give women only flowers, and Valentine's Day takes place on May 1, when a queen is chosen from among the most beautiful girls.
China
In China, Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated on July 7 (the seventh day of the seventh month). And on February 14, Valentine's Day is celebrated only by young and free Chinese living in modern big cities.
Could a Roman bishop hundreds of years ago Valentin Interamsky, who secretly crowned legionnaires and their lovers, to assume that his name will live for centuries, as the name of the inspirer of love relationships? In each of the countries of Europe, the celebration has acquired its own features, characteristic only for its territory.
France
So, The 14th of February in France lovers are given jewelry, and also offer a hand and a heart. However valentine's day for the French, this is not only a holiday of two loving people, but also of everyone who is loved - relatives, friends, acquaintances. They also give sweets, underwear, chocolate mousses, romantic trips, lottery tickets, sausage cut into hearts, pink yogurts, artificial flowers.
Great Britain
In the UK on Valentine's Day guessing at the betrothed: the first one the girl sees with the sunrise The 14th of February from the window, will become her Valentine. Sweet hearts, soft toys, especially Teddy bears (very beloved in Britain), and of course Valentine cards are considered popular gifts. Since in England they are devoted to traditions, after receiving a valentine, some sign with the name of a lover is attached to the clothes. In addition to their beloved, the British also congratulate their favorite animals (horses, dogs, cats).
Wales
in Wales own tradition for The 14th of February- Spoons of Love. Lovers cut a spoon out of wood, decorate it with keys and keyholes, hearts and give it to each other.
Italy
in Italy in St. Valentine's Day It is customary to give sweets in the form of hearts, flowers - roses, perfumes, diamonds. This holiday is celebrated here only by lovers, and relatives and friends do not exchange gifts. Another very popular gift is Baci Perugina, a hazelnut covered in chocolate. Each candy contains a note with a love statement in four languages.
Germany
Germany on Valentine's Day The Germans decorate psychiatric hospitals with red ribbons, and worship services are held in chapels, since St. Valentine for the Germans is the patron saint of those who are not in love, in the mentally and nervously ill.
Holland
In Holland February 14 a woman can approach a man herself and ask him to marry her. If the man refuses, he must give the lady a silk dress.
Denmark
In Denmark on Valentine's Day give "love cards" - colorful, musical with charming messages. And they give their friends and loved ones snowdrop flowers, gifts, postcards.
Iceland
Iceland Valentine's Day symbolizes passionate love. The 14th of February bonfires are kindled here in the name of Odin's son - Vali (Vili). Girls put coals on the necks of the guys on this day, and they hang small stones on the necks of their beloved, because in order to kindle the flame on this day, it is necessary that a spark appear when the stone rubs against the stone.
Poland
In Poland sure that the relics of the Poznań metropolis lie St. Valentine, and above the throne is his miraculous icon, a pilgrimage to which The 14th of February helps in love affairs.
February 14 in Finland celebrate Friends Day, which has been officially included in the holiday calendar since 1987. On this day, it is customary to give each other sweets, send "valentines", toys and other gifts with the image of hearts.
Sweden
Sweden on Valentine's Day give roses, marmalades and cakes in the shape of hearts, as a manifestation of attention and love.
In the USA on February 14 give each other caramel red and white (colors of passion and purity) caramel hearts packed in heart-shaped boxes, as well as marzipan hearts, sweets, chocolate and, of course, flowers. On this day in America buy about 24 thousand roses per minute! By tradition, Happy Valentine's Day congratulates all those who are simply loved.
Canada
In Canada, St. Valentine celebrated with great pomp. Balls and parties are organized throughout the country to give people the opportunity to express their feelings and fully enjoy the holiday. The most popular gifts are roses, chocolates and valentines. Besides, in St. Day Valentine gifts are exchanged with their friends.
Asia
Saudi Arabia and Iran Valentine's Day banned by the state as a holiday cultivating sin. On this day, the sale of valentines and red roses is prohibited in the country!
Jamaica
Japan
Japan's Valentine's Day- This is a holiday of men; representatives of the stronger sex receive useful gifts from their halves - shaving accessories, purses, perfumes. In addition, all girls and women give “giri choko” (“mandatory chocolate”) chocolates to all young men with whom they are simply familiar, and “honmei” (“chocolate with benefits”) chocolates - only to the most beloved man. Women, on the other hand, receive their gifts only a month later - on March 14 on White Day, when men present them with white chocolate.
Australia
In Australia, St. Valentine is a very popular holiday, here, as in most other countries, they give valentine cards and flowers to their loved ones.
In the Republic of South Africa on February 14 celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is considered traditional to invite a loved one on a romantic date. Girls attach a piece of paper with the name of their beloved on the sleeve. Parties and celebrations dedicated to the holiday last at least a week.
India
In India, St. Valentine means love - the day when you can show the most intimate feelings for your loved one. Often on this day, guys ask for the hand of their beloved. As in other countries, in India they give each other valentines, sweets, flowers, soft toys and gifts.
Spain
In some countries Valentine's Day celebrated at other times of the year. So, in Spain on February 14 men give women only flowers, and Valentine's Day takes place on May 1, when a queen is chosen from among the most beautiful girls.
Brazil
Valentine's Day in Brazil falls on June 12th.
China
Valentine's Day in China traditionally celebrated on July 7 (the seventh day of the seventh month). BUT The 14th of February Valentine's Day is celebrated only by young and free Chinese living in modern big cities.
In different countries, the traditions associated with Valentine's Day are different. Of course, the theme of the holiday remains love, but each country has brought something new to the holiday.
Germany
"Love is blind, and madness leads her by the hand" - with these words the old legend about love ends. Therefore, it is not surprising that Valentine's Day in Germany is a holiday for the mentally ill. On February 14, all German psychiatric hospitals are decorated with scarlet ribbons, and services are held in churches. This is because the Germans consider Valentine to be the patron saint of the mentally ill.
Russia
In Russia, Valentine's Day has recently become a holiday. But I already fell in love with it, and we also have our own traditions. Lovers give each other gifts, send valentines. And no mental hospitals! What do you! This is the day of love and joy.
France, Italy
The French and Italians celebrate Valentine's Day in the same way as we do (or rather, we are like them): confessions, gifts. Only preferences in choosing gifts differ. The French give mainly jewelry, and the Italians - sweets.
Denmark
The gifts of the Danes do not shine, you can not feast on them. In Denmark, on February 14, it is traditional to give each other dried flowers and just postcards.
Japan
Japan also celebrates Valentine's Day. Most of all on this day, Japanese men are lucky. Their lovers, and just acquaintances of the girls should give them small chocolates "giri choco". Also in Japan on Valentine's Day there is a competition for the loudest love confession. A platform is being erected on the central city square, and everyone can shout words of love while standing on this platform. Whoever does it the loudest wins a prize.
England
In England, Valentine's Day is somewhat reminiscent of our carols. Children walk the streets, enter houses, sing songs and expect to be rewarded for this. The British have another tradition - to attach some kind of badge with the name of a lover to their clothes or to give an apple in response to recognition, because the apple symbolizes love and beauty.
It is interesting to note that in the old days the English had many customs associated with Valentine's Day. For example, on the eve of the holiday, the young men gathered so that everyone would choose "Valentine" for themselves. The names of the girls were written on pieces of parchment, and then put into a hat. Everyone had to "pull out their Valentine". The girl, whose name fell by lot, the young man had to accompany the whole next year, give her flowers, gifts, compose poetry. In a word, be her knight.
Wales
On Valentine's Day, the people of Wales gave each other wooden spoons. They were decorated with hearts, keyholes were carved on spoons, or tiny locks were hung from them. This meant that the key to the heart was found.
Poland
Poles on February 14 visit the temple where the icon of Valentine is located. Who else to ask for help in love affairs?
USA
Americans give roses on February 14th. These flowers are so popular that 20,000 roses are sold every 60 seconds in America every 60 seconds on Valentine's Day. It turns out that American florists sell more than a million roses per hour. It's good to be an American florist.
Residents of foggy Albion have been celebrating St. Valentine's Day since at least the 17th century. Not surprisingly, some rather unusual traditions have been preserved here. On this day, it is customary to guess at the betrothed: in the early morning, the girl looks out the window, and the first person she sees will become her Valentine. A common gift is an ordinary apple - an ancient symbol of beauty and love. And those who have not yet found the love of their lives congratulate their pets, to whom, as you know, the British have a particularly reverent attitude.
Wales boasts another original tradition. On Valentine's Day, guys and girls cut wooden spoons, decorate them with hearts and keys and give them to their chosen ones. "Spoon of Love" is designed to open the heart of a lover - a rather interesting play on the gastronomic theme. Although we probably would have reacted to a spoon without lunch with a slight misunderstanding.
Few people know that in February, the harsh Irish celebrate not only Valentine's Day, but also St. Oswald's Day. The latter, however, is celebrated on February 29, that is, once every four years. On this day, any girl can make her chosen one an offer that he cannot refuse. On this day, many men do not leave the house at all, trying to avoid various unpleasant surprises. But in Scotland, they say, you can refuse, but for such a pleasure you will have to pay 100 pounds.
Everyone knows that a man in love is a little crazy. But only in Germany this fact is taken seriously and February 14 is considered the day of the mentally ill. If you find yourself in some German town and see a building decorated with colorful bows, balloons and ribbons, know that this is most likely a psychiatric hospital. And in churches on this day, special services are held for the salvation of all unbalanced souls.
The holiday of lovers acquired a special local flavor in Iceland. On February 14, bonfires are lit here in honor of Odin's son named Vali, and boys and girls try to kindle the "fire of love" by putting coals and pebbles around each other's necks. You rub a piece of coal against a pebble - and cheerful sparks will instantly scatter in all directions, ready to ignite even the coldest heart.
On February 14, the Finns celebrate Friends Day (ystävänpäivä), and it is customary here to congratulate not only your beloved, but in general everyone to whom you have good feelings. For the first time this holiday was celebrated only in 1980, but everyone liked it so much that already in the mid-90s it was included in the official calendar. In terms of the number of cards presented, this holiday is second only to Christmas, so the Finns can be considered a very friendly people.
In Japan, the localization of the holiday took place taking into account local cultural characteristics. Valentine's Day is considered a holiday for men here: women give them all kinds of gifts, among which dark chocolate occupies a special place. “Obligatory chocolate” (“giri choko”) is given to all men without exception, but “chocolate with preference” (“honmei”) is presented only to your lover. Exactly one month later, on March 14, women take revenge. There comes the so-called White Day, when the beautiful half of humanity is showered from head to toe with white chocolate.
For unknown reasons, Jamaica was ahead of the rest, because in the most outrageous way, Valentine's Day is celebrated here. Since 2001, a new original tradition has been introduced on the island - on February 14, lovers arrange nudist weddings, where they declare their love without shame and embarrassment. On this day, only wedding rings are present on them, but sometimes guests modestly hide behind bouquets of flowers.
Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 in many countries. It was on this day in the third century AD that a young priest was executed, who disobeyed the emperor and continued to marry his beloved. A century later, Valentine was canonized in the Catholic Church and introduced to the saints. That is why the roots of this February holiday go back to ancient Rome. Let's find out today how Valentine's Day is celebrated in different countries.
However, it is worth noting that the traditions have been constantly changing over the centuries, and only a few of them have come down to us, and even those have changed a lot. As a rule, on this day, couples in love arranged weddings, brides and weddings, where they certainly were. This is one of the traditions that has come down to our times. Another tradition is to give "Valentine" to the one you love. On this day, lovers write confessions to each other and send them in the form of a letter or a beautiful postcard made in the form of a heart.
It was believed that on this day, an unmarried girl, going out into the street in the morning and meeting the first man, could approach him and offer to marry. In case of refusal, the man had to give her a silk dress, and sew a silk cord for himself, on which a heart with the name of this girl should be hung.
This romantic February holiday was full of all sorts of fortune-telling, and in some European countries, many traditions have been preserved to this day. So, the people believed that on this day all birds find a mate, therefore free young people should also look for their soul mate. There is even one comic fortune-telling about this. Free youth gathered on February 14 (the most important thing is that everyone should be equal), the girls wrote their names on pieces of paper, folded them up and threw them into a special box. Then the men drew names, and thus chose a mate for themselves.
St. Day Valentine is celebrated by both lovers and those who are in active search. In European countries, this holiday is very much awaited, but each country celebrates it in its own way.
How do they spend this holiday abroad and in our country?
Italy. This country gave either a legend, or a true story, but the essence is this - it was in this country that Saint Valentine was once born. The first time, when paganism “bloomed” in Europe, February 14 was celebrated as the “day of the birds” or “the day of spring”. Later, when Catholicism was strengthened and rooted, this holiday began to be called "the day of all lovers." Earlier, on this day, fervent young guys gathered in nature and read poetry. Those who had already met walked hand in hand along the park alleys. Today in Italy, they try to combine Valentine's Day with a high-profile date - a wedding or a church wedding. Some Italians call the holiday "sweet day", as on this day all kinds of sweets and candies are given.
Australia also does not lag behind Europe in the celebration of St. Valentine. Young hearts in love gather in cafes or pizzerias to have a pleasant evening, talk about their feelings and confess their love. As in all countries, in Australia it is customary to give each other Valentine cards with sincere confessions. Some young people prefer to write messages using SMS, so the tradition, despite the "computer age", not only survived, but acquired a new shade.
In England free girls are looking forward to this day, because you can have a comic fortune-telling. They wake up early in the morning and look out the window. The first man they see is the same betrothed!
On this wonderful February day, lovers give each other sweets in the form of hearts and valentine letters. Recently, as a gift, it is popular to give a soft toy - a Teddy bear, which symbolizes love or great sympathy. Some English people on this day congratulate their pets, whether it be a horse, a cat or a dog, and give them edible gifts.
Armenia also did not miss the opportunity to celebrate Valentine's Day, but unlike many countries, it has a personal holiday called "Trndez". This holiday is celebrated cheerfully, the young people jump over the fire together, thereby strengthening their sincere feelings.
Distinguished from all countries Germany because on this day the whole country celebrates the day of the mentally ill! By tradition, residents decorate psychiatric hospitals with scarlet ribbons, and a special prayer service is held in the church for this day.
AT Denmark lovers are looking forward to February 14 to give their soulmate a postcard, because this is an old tradition that must be followed. Also in this country, it is customary to send white snowdrops to your beloved by mail. Various festive events, show programs, concerts are organized on this day. Some couples prefer to celebrate it in a quiet restaurant or at home, on a festive table where you can make one. For mischievous youth, the well-known Tivoli Park is a place of entertainment. However, in recent years, more and more hearts in love prefer to spend this day abroad.
In France day of st. Valentine is honored with special seriousness, because it is customary to give various jewelry as a gift. Distinctive features are that on this holiday not only beloved ones are congratulated, but also those who are loved - mom, dad, grandma or grandpa. If the guy finally decided to propose marriage to his lady, then this day is the most ideal to do it. The girl receives champagne, dessert and a box with a ribbon, which means that she is engaged.
AT South Africa day of st. Valentine is celebrated with great enthusiasm! It is not surprising, because many tourists prefer to relax here. The lovers invite each other to go to a cozy cafe and watch the evening program. All shops inside and outside are decorated with flowers and hearts, and the fairs on this day are especially chic and are distinguished by an abundance of souvenirs in the form of angels. Usually, entertainment events drag on for a week, so lovers can fully enjoy each other.
AT Russia this holiday is also famous and popular among young people. Couples gather in cafes, restaurants, clubs, have parties. Young people give each other colorful valentines and write messages in them, often in poetic form. On this day, many couples get married, it is believed that this day is the most favorable for celebrations and weddings.
Some nationalities celebrate Valentine's Day on another day. So, for example, in Spain they celebrate May 1st. By tradition, a beauty contest is held on this day, where the most beautiful girl is chosen and she becomes a symbol of all lovers for the whole year! And in Brazil, this day was moved to the summer - June 12th.
But there are also countries that do not celebrate this holiday at all, and lovers do not have their own official day. But in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, it is generally forbidden for couples who love each other to arrange all kinds of celebrations and events. This is considered sinful and is strongly persecuted by the authorities. In their opinion, Western countries have recently become too frank about relationships, show negative examples of fornication, and thereby corrupt the youth. That is why the celebration and traditions began to be eradicated and prohibited by various methods and ways. For example, they introduced a ban on the sale of postcards in the form of hearts, plush toys and other symbols associated with this holiday. Flower shops have also suffered as they are not allowed to sell red roses on this day.
Valentine's Day is an international holiday with many traditions and a deep historical past. Thanks to him, Cupid's arrows touched more than one heart, and on February 14, love and romance will flourish all over the planet!
