Lovers' day
The origin of Valentine's Day as a lovers' festival dates back to the 14th century in Great Britain. It was thought then that the birds chose that day to mate. This festival then spread across the European continent and then around the world.
The French and Germans are among the least enthusiastic about celebrating Valentine's Day and usually opt for flowers, chocolates and / or a meal at the restaurant. If they are more excited about the festival of lovers (and not in the least embarrassed by the commercial aspect of the thing), the English and the Americans usually send postcards to their half. Elsewhere, that's another story!
The 8 most unusual traditions of Valentine's Day
Two festivals in China . In China, we celebrate February 14 ... but also 'Qixi', the 7 th day of the 7 th moon. On that day, tradition demanded that young girls in search of marriage demonstrate their qualities as good wives. The tradition has evolved and today, chocolates, small hearts and roses are ubiquitous during 'Qixi'. In short, it is now a copy of Valentine's Day that we know!
Serial weddings in Nicaragua . For several years, every February 14, Radio Ya has invited its listeners to an immense ceremony in which hundreds of marriages are celebrated simultaneously. Romanticism ... or not!
A kissing contest in Vietnam . The city of Hai Phong, in Vietnam, organizes for Valentine's Day an original contest in the cultural and friendship palace of Viet-Tiêp. A hundred lovers hug each other for hours hoping to win the contest of the longest kiss. Watch out for cramps!
Roses in abundance in Thailand . Valentine's Day is the 05th most important day of the year in Thailand! It is also an opportunity to express his feelings to his sweetheart. We offer 1 rose to the one and only, 11 roses for his favorite, 99 roses to promise him "forever" and 108 roses for a request in marriage!
The game of love and chance in Scotland . The 14 of February reserves a big surprise to the Scots. The tradition is that we make the first person of the opposite sex met that day our valentine! Fortunately, it's just for a day.
An atypical race in Finland . Sports and beer is the Finnish program on 14 February! On this day, the couples take part in an original race: the Finns have to carry their half on their back and the winner gains the weight of his companion in liters of beer! What motivates the participants.
A celebration for children in South Africa . In South Africa, children are initiated early in the rituals of this feast of love. Each schoolboy buys white and red ribbons. He offers whites to people for whom he feels friendship. The reds are reserved for the beloved or the people he admires.
Chocolate for Japanese bosses . In Japan, February 14 is a little chocolate festival. Why ? Because on this day, the Japanese offer cocoa sweets to the men around them. The honmei choco, 'chocolates of the favorite', often homemade, are intended for their lover. The giri choco, 'obligation chocolate', are offered to their colleagues and boss. A way for these gentlemen to measure their popularity. A month later, on March 14, the roles are reversed during White Day it is the turn of men to offer a present to women! And it must be more expensive.
For further. Valentine's Day my love! by Jean-Claude Kaufmann, published by Les Liens qui Liber. 18 €.
