Cristina’s Blog

  VALENTINE’S

DAY…

AROUND THE

GLOBE

Back in third-century Rome when Emperor Claudius II banned marriages because he thought single men made better soldiers, one passionate priest named Valentine continued to wed young lovers. Later imprisoned for his defiance, Valentine fell in love with a young girl who came to visit his cell. Before his death, the story goes, the priest wrote her a letter–the first valentine. Nearly two millennia later, Valentine’s Day rakes in $17 billion in the U.S. But other countries are crashing Cupid’s party too, as shown in the pictures below.

Valentine’s Day In Japan

Japanese women give chocolates to their boyfriends, male friends and co-workers. The men return the favor a month later on March 14, known as White Day, by handing out white chocolates, lingerie and jewelry to their friends and loved ones. Those who dreaded their high school prom would sweat bullets on Valentine’s Day in Japan. “Valentine’s Day has really caught on,” says Jack Santino, professor of folklore and popular culture at Bowling Green State University. He notes, “It is very important to have a date.”

Valentine’s Day

 In Norway

In Denmark and Norway, Valentine’s Day, or Valentinsdag, is not celebrated widely, though some lovers share a romantic meal, exchange cards and give red roses. What Norwegians really love, apparently, is the environment: The country is pushing to import fewer flowers in an attempt to become the world’s first carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

Valentine’s Day

In Iran

Muslims don’t exactly embrace Cupid. However, Valentine’s Day is gaining traction with the younger, more Westernized crowd, says Iranian-American filmmaker Shaghayegh Azimi, who has captured some of the romance in her movies. Increasingly, stores decorate windows with stuffed animals, heart-shaped chocolates and red balloons, and teenagers show their affection by holding hands and strolling though the alleys of Tehran together.

Valentine’s Day

In Mexico

Cupid’s definitely a hit in Mexico. According to Jennifer Hirsch, professor of socio-medical sciences at Columbia University, the “red rain” begins as soon as Christmas is over. It is common for Mexican men and women to exchange flowers, red balloons, anything red and heart-shaped. The gift-giving is both an expression of love and prosperity, says Hirsch. Migrant laborers in particular demonstrate their success by treating their loved ones.

Valentine’s Day

In Vietnam

Valentine’s Day is a new tradition in Vietnam. As recently as the late 1990s, there were no card shops or Valentine’s Day celebrations to speak of, says Harriet Phinney, a professor of anthropology at the University of Washington who has researched love and courtship around the globe. Yet on a recent visit, Phinney noticed banners with Valentine messages strung over the main streets inviting young people to attend Valentine’s Day celebrations. Married couples tend not to participate, though: “In Vietnam, romance is ‘for before you are married,’” says Phinney.

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                                               Melanie Lindner