Valentine's Day Blog Series: Part 3
While Valentine's Day is primarily known for its romantic traditions, various superstitions and folk laws add interesting, funny, or peculiar twists to the celebration. Here are some noteworthy ones from around the world:
Japan: Giri-Choco and Honmei-Choco
In Japan, women are expected to give two types of chocolates on Valentine's Day. "Giri-choco" is given as a gesture of politeness or obligation to colleagues and friends, while "Honmei-choco" is reserved for a woman's true love.
South Korea: Black Day for Singles
In South Korea, singles have their day of celebration called "Black Day" on April 14th. Those who did not receive gifts on Valentine's Day or White Day (March 14th) get together to eat black noodles, symbolizing their 'black' or lonely status.
Germany: Piggybacking on Love
In Germany, it's believed that finding a person dressed as a pig on Valentine's Day brings good luck in love. This quirky tradition often involves costumes and pig-themed events.
Denmark: Gaekkebrev and Snowdrops
In Denmark, a unique Valentine's Day tradition involves sending "Gaekkebrev," a playful and often humorous letter. The sender's name is replaced with dots, and if the recipient guesses the sender's identity correctly, they receive an egg at Easter. Additionally, it's considered lucky to receive pressed white flowers called snowdrops on Valentine's Day.
Wales: St. Dwynwen's Day
In Wales, the patron saint of lovers is celebrated on St. Dwynwen's Day, which falls on January 25th. Traditional gifts include love spoons, intricately carved wooden spoons that symbolize affection and commitment.
Finland: Friend Appreciation
In Finland, Valentine's Day is not limited to romantic love. It's also a day to appreciate friends. Known as "Ystävänpäivä," friends exchange cards and gifts, making it a celebration of all kinds of love.
Italy: Love Padlocks
While not exclusive to Valentine's Day, the tradition of attaching love padlocks to bridges is popular in Italy. Couples write their names on the padlock, attach it to a bridge, and throw away the key, symbolizing eternal love.
Love Locks Paris by Cindy Curr
Scotland: The Eve of Saint Valentine
In Scotland, it's believed that the first man or woman encountered on the street on the eve of Valentine's Day will become their future spouse. This tradition, known as "To Valentine Eve," adds an element of mystery to the celebration.
Slovenia: Love Oracles and Birds
In Slovenia, Valentine's Day is associated with agriculture and nature. It is believed that birds propose to each other on this day. If the birds are visible, it's considered a sign that spring is coming soon.
Philippines: Mass Weddings
In the Philippines, Valentine's Day is a popular day for mass weddings. Hundreds of couples gather in public spaces to get married or renew their vows in communal ceremonies organized by local governments.
Czech Republic: Cherry Tree Predictions
Young, unmarried women in the Czech Republic traditionally stand with their backs to the window on Valentine's Day and pick a cherry from a cherry tree. The shape of the cherry's stone is believed to predict their future husband's profession.
Romania: Dragobete
Romania celebrates a traditional lover's day called Dragobete on February 24th. On this day, it is believed that if you don't celebrate love, you'll be woken up by a swarm of bees.
These superstitions and folk traditions add fascinating layers to the global celebration of love on Valentine's Day, showcasing the rich diversity of customs and beliefs around the world.