Do you want to surprise your partner with something special for February 14th? And did you know that love is a universal language that finds expression in many forms?
It doesn't matter if you're planning something grand or a small gesture to express your feelings. Although perceived as a Western holiday, Valentine's Day still inspires people all over the world. Many cultures create their own unique rituals to tell the story of lovers and celebrate the beauty of their relationship.
And have you found your inspiration for the holiday? If you're still wondering what to bet on, stay with us until the end. In this article, we, from Elegantz.bg, will introduce you to some of the most interesting romantic beliefs and traditions.
Love has a thousand faces!
Some are elegant and beautiful like red roses, and others are sweet and intoxicating like your favorite chocolate. But one thing is common - no matter which country you visit, there is no one who does not want to share their love and surprise their significant other in the most romantic way.
That is why we invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey that will take us to:
Thailand
Although Valentine's Day is not an Asian holiday, many people from the "Land of Smiles" honor this special day. They are happy to express their feelings for their loved one and give them a special bouquet of flowers and chocolates.
But one particular place becomes an attraction on February 14th, and that is the Temple of Love in Bangkok. Also known as the Trimurti Shrine, locals believe that anyone who prays there will find true love and make their dreams come true. That is why young people choose this day to cross its threshold, and couples to pray for eternal and unfading love.
Another interesting place is the Bang Rak district, also known as the "Village of Love". In the past, engaged couples would line up before dawn to get married. This trend began in the last century, because lovers believed that if they tied the knot on February 14, they would stay together for the rest of their days. Today, many lovers still choose to tie the knot at this very place, because they hope to receive one of the 12 golden marriage certificates given only on Valentine's Day. Japan It can be said that Valentine's Day is relatively new as a holiday in the land of the rising sun, but a number of customs and traditions already exist. For example, on February 14, women are expected to give their male colleagues chocolate or candy, as this gesture is not always romantic in nature. There are two main types:
- giri-choco - a must-have chocolate that is given to colleagues, friends, relatives and acquaintances.
- homei-choco - chocolate of true feelings, which is given to romantic partners. It is usually of higher quality and more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
- tomo-choco - for single girls who give each other gifts as a symbol of their strong friendship.
An interesting fact is that in Japan, Valentine's Day is not a one-way holiday. Men return the gesture exactly a month later, on March 14, known as "White Day". On this day, they give the women in their lives exquisite sweets, gifts or even jewelry as a thank you for the chocolate temptations received. This tradition emphasizes balance and reciprocity in relationships, which are an important part of Japanese culture.
Norway
Valentine's Day is much more than just a day for lovers - it's the perfect time for people to reveal their feelings and win the heart of their loved one. But in Norway, things happen a little differently through so-called "poetry games".
It is customary for people who are interested in someone to send their crush short funny poems called "gaekkebrev". The only clue to their identity is the number of dots that replace the letters in their signature.
The recipient of the poem must guess who their secret admirer is. If they succeed, they receive a chocolate egg or other sweet gift from the person as a reward. If they get it wrong, the sender reveals their identity and the recipient has to give them something sweet.
We can say that this is a unique tradition that makes the holiday not only romantic, but also intriguing, full of playfulness and creativity. It shows that love can be expressed in a way that combines humor, mystery and a desire for shared emotion.
Italy
Italian women not only adore love in all its forms, but they are also extremely romantic. They believe in the old legend that they will see a vision of their future husbands when they peek out their window at dawn on February 14th.
This tradition dates back centuries and is difficult to trace where it originated. It is related to the belief that the first man they see in the early morning will be either their husband or a who will have a special meaning in their lives. Some even believe that if it is not meant for them, instead of his face they will see the image of the one they will marry exactly one year later.
That is why many single girls still wake up early and rush to their window to wait to catch a glimpse of a man. Many even put flowers on the porch, believing that this will attract love and increase their chances of meeting their destiny.
This beautiful custom emphasizes the romantic spirit of Italian women and their belief in the magic of love and destiny.
Wales, England
In this region, Valentine's Day is celebrated a little earlier - on January 25th. Since ancient times, it has been associated with the festival of fertility.
Young people who were too young to commit to love would exchange handwritten poems or verses. They were their way of expressing their feelings for the person they admired and often contained hints about their future intentions.
Older people who were already old enough to indulge in love passion did it a little differently – by giving their beloved love spoons.
This is a centuries-old tradition in which Welsh men carefully carve spoons and present them to the woman they are interested in. The designs are exquisite, full of many symbols and woven with their intentions. For example, the number of attached beads represented the number of children that the man expects his beloved to have.
And you, have you found your inspiration?
Remember - this is just a small part of the traditions around the world associated with February 14.
We are sure that you will be able to find the right one to captivate the heart of your beloved. And if you need souvenirs, gifts and materials to make your arrangements, do not miss our online store.
Order the selected items online or by contacting us by phone: 0700 19 112.
