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Love has more than one name, and customs connected with its observing and showing affection differ with latitude. Valentine’s Day is observed all around the world, but not all Valentine’s dating look the same. Certainly, occurs a leitmotif of a bouquet of red roses, an elegant dinner or plush hearts, however in some countries there are created their own customs connected with Valentine’s Day. Here are some of them:
In Malaysia one of the popular customs is a “Prisoners of War” contest which checks out how long people in love can withstand with each other. Couples are put in irons for the entire week! The cash prizes wait for the winners. Moreover, in Malaysia people celebrate also Chinese Valentine’s Day. The unmarried Chinese women throw to the seas and rivers tangerines and oranges on which they write down their contact details hoping that a dream of their other half will catch them.
The Danes give flowers called snowdrops. Additionally, men send women joy letters called “gaekkebrev” in which there are rhymes for their beloved. However, they are signed not by their name but each letter of a giver’s name is replaced with a dot. If a woman can guess a sender’s name correctly at Easter wins additional chocolate egg. And who does not like chocolate…
In Japan there is a custom consisting in presenting the beloved men with chocolates. The loved ones receive hand-made chocolates in the shape of hearts called “honmei-choko”, and to the rest male friends or co-workers gives “giri-choko”, that is Swiss or Belgian chocolates. Interestingly, women give these gifts to men, and only a month later on 14th March, on the White Day men have a chance to return service.
The Welsh people incline their intended to “Open their hearts” - such a message is hidden behind a wooden spoon ornamented with hearts, padlocks and keys which is given to a sweetheart.
In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is a day of the final confession of love – on this day large numbers of wedding take place. And nothing manifests that “they love each other” more explicitly than marriage vows. People believe there that Valentine will protect the newlyweds before a divorce. Taking into account that a percentage of divorces in Thailand is lower than in the U.S.A., and even in Europe – their faith probably makes wonders.
How do You celebrate Valentine’s Day in this year? A dinner, a romantic walk or maybe after all an online dating? Please, write about it in your comments.
The Wall