January 2009

Valentine’s Day in United States & Canada

In the USA and Canada, Valentine’s Day is an extremely popular holiday. Originally held to honor St Valentine and express love to sweethearts, the scope of the day has come to be so widened that it has now become an occassion to express gratitude and love also to any close relation or acquaintance. On this day people give presents to their dear, such as flowers (especially roses), chocolates and different gift baskets. Dinner and dance parties are specially organized all over the country to celebrate the occasion. Many couples hold private celebrations in homes or restaurants and give flowers, a box of chocolate, or some other present to one another. Sending chocolates on Valentine’s Day is a very popular tradition. Most valentine candy boxes are heart-shaped and tied with red ribbon.

Valentine’s Day in Britain

In Britain, St Valentine’s Day is celebrated with great fanfare and gaiety. Like in many other countries, on this day has people express the love for their beloved with Valentine’s Day gifts like flowers, cards, chocolates and other special items. The traditions of the celebrations of Valentine’s Day differ in different regions of the country but a common custom is the singing of special songs by children. Another popular tradition followed in some areas of England is the baking of valentine buns with caraway seeds, plums, or raisins. Composing verses is also an extremely well-known Valentine’s Day custom. About a month earlier to Valentine’s Day, leading tabloids and reputed magazines publish sonnets and verses to commemorate the occasion. The tradition owes its origin to the British poets who have penned some of the best love poems and the majority of the romantic verses associated with St. Valentine.

Valentine’s Day in Germany

The German celebration of Valentine’s Day is nearly the same as elsewhere in the world. For Germans, the festival is a celebration of love and a time to spend with their sweethearts. In Germany, it is customary for a young man to give flowers to their beloved ones on February 14. Valentine’s Day gifts in Germany are usually in the shape of love tokens, complete with lovely messages. But these are not entirely restricted to Valentine’s Day celebrations, and can be gifted on any occasion of a joyous nature.