Celebrating Valentine’s Day across the Globe

 
The people around the world celebrate the Valentine’s Day in their own different manners. Let’s look at the different styles of celebrations adopted by people from different countries. 

Australia

In earlier days of Australia, a satin cushion became the trademark for the most exaggerated valentines. Some flowers and shells were used to decorate them. Most of them were garlanded with a bird of paradise. It was an enormously fashionable, but expensive style. 

United States of America

The cards have been the main elements of the celebrations in the United States of America. The cards used to be hand-colored, striking and distinguishing in drawing, prepared using lace paper and bejeweled with beads, seashells, cones etc. These days, American children generally exchange valentines and have a small party. 

Britain

In Britain, Valentine’s Day is coupled with the beautiful verses connected with Saint Valentine. Exchanging cards, flowers and chocolates, accompany it. The children receive presents of fruit or money by singing special songs. The people in certain areas bake valentine buns with plums or raisins. 

France

In France, a norm "drawing for" occurred once. In this, the unmarried persons would call out from windows of the houses facing each other and then make pairs with the selected partner. The man would abandon his valentine, if she fails to fascinate him. At the end, the women would burn pictures of their unthankful partners and abuse him. However, this custom deserted by the French government. Nowadays stylish French greetings cards recognized as cartes d'amities, containing affectionate messages, are exchanged as a Valentine gift. 

Germany

The flowers have become the mandatory gift to be presented by the young man to his beloved in Germany. Other gifts include love tokens with tender messages. However, these are not distributed solely on Valentine's Day, but on any occasion. There was a time when marriage certificates were also considered to have been valentines, but now these are symbolic documents, which contain beautiful rhymes. 

Italy

In Italy, Valentine's Day was once renowned as a Spring Festival. The young folks would assemble in gardens to play music and read poetry. With the passage of time, this practice gradually discarded and is no more a part of the celebrations.  

Turin

In Turin, the announcement of engagements by the couples was a custom of Valentine’s Day. The shops would be adorned and packed with all manner of gifts and accessories many days before the arrival of this day.

Japan

The Japanese ladies are of a belief that store-made chocolates and cakes are not symbolizes the true affection for each other. Thus, they prepare the confections at their own home. 

Spain