Saint Valentine’s Day, or Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on the 14th of February, and many countries around the world haveValentine’s Day traditions.
(Part 1)
St. Valentine’s Day started as a public celebration of a Christian saint called Valentinus. He was sent to prison around the year 270 for performing weddings for soldiers who were not allowed to get married. He was finally executed, but before his execution he sent a goodbye message to a lady that said “from your Valentine”.
(Part 2)
Valentine’s Day was first associated with romance around the year 1380, when the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote an anniversary poem for King Richard II and his wife Anne.
A short poem is still a traditional message to write on a Valentine’s Day card.
(Part 3)
By the 15th century, Valentine’s Day had developed into a day when lovers expressed their love for each other. They would send flowers and exchange sweets and greeting cards.
Sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is still the main tradition in the UK. Men and ladies both exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, however this isn’t true in other countries.
(Part 4)
Similar to Japan’s tradition, women in South Korea give chocolate to men on the 14th of February, and men give non-chocolate gifts to women on the 14th of March – which is called White Day. On the 14th of April, South Korea has a day called Black Day. On Black Day, people who didn’t receive anything on Valentine’s Day or White Day go to a Korean restaurant and eat black noodles to feel sad about their single life.
In Taiwan the tradition is opposite to Japan’s. Men give presents to women on Valentine’s Day, and women give presents to men on White Day.
(Part 5)
Because Valentine’s Day is a traditional Christian occasion, some Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Malaysia have banned the celebration and selling of Valentine’s Day goods.
Many people around the world no longer think of Valentine’s Day as a religious event. Instead it is just a celebration of love, romance and friendship.
