BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Today, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and surely, many of you have planned different ways to show love to your special someone.
Some give flowers and chocolates, others dine in fancy restaurants, and of course, there are sweet surprises like love letters and teddy bears.
But did you know that not all countries celebrate Valentine’s Day in the same way?
In other parts of the world, there are unique and interesting traditions every February 14.
First, in Japan, it’s not the men who give chocolates, but the women!
Yes, on Japanese Valentine’s Day, women are the first to give chocolates to their crush or loved one.
There are two types of chocolates: “Honmei-choco,” given to a romantic partner, and “Giri-choco,” for friends or colleagues.
But don’t worry about being friend-zoned because there’s “White Day” on March 14, where men return the favor by giving gifts.
In South Korea, Valentine’s Day and White Day aren’t the only celebrations, there’s also “Black Day” on April 14!
This day is for singles who didn’t receive any gifts on Valentine’s or White Day.
Instead of going on a date, they eat “Jjajangmyeon,” or black noodles.
Meanwhile, in Denmark, it’s not common to give bouquets of flowers. Instead, they exchange pressed white flowers called “snowdrops.”
In Italy, there used to be a tradition where single women would wake up early on Valentine’s Day, believing that the first man they saw in the morning would be their future husband or soulmate.
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day isn’t celebrated on February 14.
Instead, they have their own “Dia dos Namorados” or “Day of Lovers” on June 12, the eve of the Feast of St. Anthony, the patron saint of marriage.
Here, mass weddings and matchmaking rituals are held for singles.
Valentine’s Day has deep historical roots.
From then until now, people around the world celebrate it in different ways.
But always remember, love should not only be expressed on Valentine’s Day, it should be felt and shown every day to our families and loved ones.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
