Special Features
Valentine’s Day
Modern Valentine’s Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.
While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the UK, Valentine’s Day has various regional customs. In Norfolk, a character called ’Jack’ Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children.
In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen on January 25 instead of or as well as St Valentine’s Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine’s Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.
In Spain Valentine’s Day is known as "San Valentín" and is celebrated the same way as in the U.K, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day).
In Portugal it’s more commonly referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" (Boy/Girlfriend’s Day).
In Denmark and Norway, Valentine’s Day is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but many people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one.
In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts’ Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry’s commercial interests, and due to the influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only exceeded by those for Mother’s Day.
In Finland Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend’s day". As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.
Valentine’s Day is called Sevgililer Günü in Turkey, which translates into "Sweethearts’ Day".
In Mexico, Guatemala and in El Salvador, Valentine’s Day is known as "Día del Amor y la Amistad" (Day of Love and Friendship). In most of South America the Día del amor y la amistad (lit. "Love and Friendship Day") and the Amigo secreto ("Secret friend") are quite popular and usually celebrated together on the 14 of February.
Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in some Asian countries with Singaporeans, Chinese and South Koreans spending the most money on Valentine’s gifts.
In Japan, in 1960, Morinaga, one of the biggest Japanese confectionery companies, originated the present custom that only women may give chocolates to men. In particular, office ladies will give chocolate to their co-workers.
In China, the common situation is the man gives chocolate, flowers or both to the woman that he loves. In Chinese, Valentine’s Day is called (simplified Chinese: 情人节; traditional Chinese: 情人節; pinyin: qíng rén jié).
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is called "Araw ng mga Puso" or "Hearts Day". It is usually marked by a steep increase in the prices of flowers!
