The customs of Valentine's Day abroad vary from country to country, and each place has its own unique way of celebrating and customs
Historical background of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day originated in 270 AD, when Valentine of Roman Christianity sacrificed himself for justice and pure love, and later generations designated the day of his execution (February 14) as "St. Valen's Day", which was later changed to "Valentine's Day".
Valentine's Day customs in major countries and regions
1. United Kingdom
On the eve of Valentine's Day, English girls would fix bay leaves to the four corners of their pillows and place a piece in the middle of the pillow to pray for the appearance of the Son of God. In addition, it is a traditional custom in the United Kingdom for couples to exchange poems and flowers.
2. France
France is one of the most romantic countries in the world, and Valentine's Day is especially important in France. Chocolates and roses are usually given on Valentine's Day, and the day after Valentine's Day (February 15) is known as "Valentine's Day for Singles" and is a comfortable day for singles. In Paris, couples also like to leave a permanent mark on the Eiffel Tower, writing their names and those of their loved ones and then fastening them to the metal railing at the top of the tower.
3. Japan
In Japan, Valentine's Day is not a holiday for men and women to be equal. It is common for women to give chocolate to the men they like, which is known as "confessional chocolate". If a man accepts chocolate, he returns the favor by giving a gift or chocolate a month later. In addition, there are "Friendship Chocolates", which are gifts from women to male friends or colleagues, and "Chocolates for Justice", which are gifts from women to colleagues or superiors to express gratitude and care.
4. Italy
Among the Valentine's Day gifts in Italy, hazelnut chocolate is very popular, and the packaging is printed with a romantic love motto. Couples also go to the Ponte del Milvio in Rome and hang a lock on the bridge that symbolizes their heart.
The symbolism and cultural context of Valentine's Day gifts
Valentine's Day gifts are not only a material exchange, but also an expression of emotion Roses are one of the most common Valentine's Day gifts, different colors of roses have different meanings, such as red roses represent hot love, pink roses represent first love, etc., chocolate is also regarded as an important gift to express love, and different kinds of chocolate also have different meanings, such as milk chocolate for purity, dark chocolate for mystery, etc. In addition, rings, necklaces, and wood products are also classic gifts to express love.
