Celebration of Valentine Day in Different Countries and Cultures

For centuries Valentine day is celebrated in all the countries.

 As per mythology in Roman Empire, soldier’s of royal army wasn’t supposed to marry. But this was challenged by Saint Valentine. He started to marry soldiers with their beloved lover secretly. When this news was reached to king then he imprisoned Valentine and gave order for his execution.

In the prison valentine fell in love with jailer’s daughter. They both were in deep love with each others. So before his execution, Valentine wrote her a letter (Love Letter). And at the end of the letter he signed ‘YOUR VALENTINE’. These last lines of him become brand for lovers nowadays.

Our today’s post is about Valentine day (Of course!). But in the different countries, it is celebrated in different ways. Let’s check this out:

  1.     FRANCE:

In France, Valentine day was banned by government. At this day unmarried men and women gather in a house. They start to yell at each other’s face. If man doesn’t like the woman then he leaves and then same thing is repeated by another man.

And if women don’t get their desired man then they gathered and burn images of men.

  2.     CHINA:

We all know that China is known to do things in its own way. Chinese people strictly follow their tradition. Same thing happens in the case of valentine day. 

In China, They celebrate 7^th day of 7^th lunar month of Chinese calendar. This is festival is known as Qi-Xi festival or daughter’s festival. Qi means seven and Xi means light. On this very day unmarried girl look for their love.

Mythology behind is that love of weaver girl and cowherd wasn’t accepted. So as per legends they are at opposite bank of Silver River (our Milky Way galaxy). And a black bird with long tail makes bridge for them each year so they can meet once in year. (Chinese people believe anything LOL!!!!)

China has already on 9 August, 2016. In 2017 their Valentine day will be on 28 August.

  3.     BRAZIL:

In Brazil, Valentine day is celebrated on 12^th June. Brazilians celebrate this day as ‘Dia dos Namorados’. Next day means 13^th June is celebrated as Saint Anthony’s day. This Saint is known as God of Marriage. So Women pray him on this very day for good husband.

  4.     JAPAN:

Like China, Japan strictly follows its tradition. But they do celebrate 14^th February as valentine day, but in their own style.

On 14^th February, Women give gift to men and after one month means on 14^th march all Men give return gift to their Women. This day is known as white day.

  5.     IRAQ:

You won’t believe but Iraqis celebrate Valentine day without any restriction. They celebrated this day by giving red rose and large teddy bear, heart to their Valentines.

Some criticize this celebration but you can see Iraqis couples in the park giving gifts to each other and celebrating.

  6.     Saudi Arabia:

In Saudi Arabia, celebration of Valentine day is banned by government. They is also provision of punishment by law if you are caught for celebration of valentine day.

Despite all of these strict rules, people who want to celebrate always find some ways. So this phenomenon has led to creation of black market of valentine day products in Saudi Arabia.

  7.     FINLAND:

In Finland, 14^th February is celebrated as friend day. This is not day for propose your Valentine day so there is not romantic atmosphere on this day in Finland. But Finland celebrates this day in memory of Friendship. (I am planning to go Finland. Booking Tickets write now………. Good for me)

  8.     GHANA:

Ghana celebrated 14^th February as national Chocolate Day. The actual purpose behind celebration is to incentive Tourism and production of Chocolate which plays vital role in economy of Ghana.

  9.     BULGARIA:

In Bulgaria, 14^th February is celebrated as Wine Maker’s Day. Couple individual man/ woman celebrate this day by drinking to glass of Wine.

  10.   PHILIPPINES:

In Philippines, Valentine Day is celebrated by arranging group marriage. Numbers of couple marry on this day. Government itself is organizer of this group marriage ceremony.