/ world today news/ On February 14, we celebrate Valentine’s Day – the holiday of lovers.
The romantic tradition of Valentine’s Day dates back several centuries and this day is celebrated by people from all over the world with different religions and cultures.
The ancient Romans celebrated Love Day on February 14 by offering prayers to the goddess of marriage and motherhood, Juno. Girls who are looking for a man write a letter and throw it in a deep box. Whoever pulls it out becomes their husband.
The ancient Greeks organized mass love-making in honor of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. During these orgies, some find life partners.
Valentine’s Day begins to be celebrated en masse in Western Europe. The tradition of writing valentines, giving flowers and candy, and singing serenades has become firmly established in people’s minds. This holiday is a paradise for card and confectionery makers. According to the tradition of the English court in the early 17th century, on Valentine’s Day young men and women exchanged rings and candy. Any woman can go and ask the man she likes to be her husband. The important thing is that a man has no right to refuse a lady. But if his heart is already taken, he should give her a silk dress.
In Japan and Korea, the holiday dates back to 1930. In Japan, only men receive gifts on Valentine’s Day. The holiday for women comes a month later, on March 14, and the day is called “White Day”. Contrary to Japan, in Korea there is a tradition of “Black Day” where all single men get together and get drunk.
In passionate France, Valentine’s Day means exchanging jewelry and other romantic gifts, and in Denmark, men give dried white flowers as gifts. On this day in England, girls gather before sunrise and look out the window. The first person they see becomes their husband. In Derbyshire, girls go around the church 12 times at midnight and repeat a magic spell. According to legend, after the ritual they meet true love.
In Jamaica, mass nude weddings are held on this day, and the beaches are visited by numerous newlyweds who have decided to plunge into eternal love. In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on June 12. On this day, Brazilian women perform magical rituals to attract bachelors. In Israel, the Day of Love is celebrated at the end of summer. The girl can only offer her hand to the boy of her choice.
The Germans associate love with madness and consider Saint Valentine the patron saint of the insane. On this day, psychiatric clinics are decorated with garlands and flowers. Poles believe in the miraculous power of love and therefore consider it their duty to go to church and pray for family happiness.
Valentine’s Day is forbidden for Muslims in Saudi Arabia. People who touch the sin of this day are severely punished. It is strictly forbidden to sell red roses, plush toys and heart-shaped goodies in shops. The authorities believe that the “pernicious Western tradition” is confusing the minds of the young generation in Saudi Arabia, inciting them to sin.
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Ans exchanging gifts as a sign of affection. However, I do acknowledge that the modern commercialization can overshadow the deeper meanings of love and relationships. It’s important to find a balance between celebrating the holiday’s historical roots and appreciating the thoughtful expressions of love that go beyond material gifts.
Hello guest, thank you for joining us today. Can you please introduce yourselves and share your perspectives on the history and significance of Valentine’s Day?
Guest 1: Good morning, my name is Sarah, and I am an expert in ancient history. The Valentine’s Day celebration is an interesting tradition with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. It has evolved over time, but the essence of showing love and appreciation for our loved ones still remains.
Guest 2: Hi, I’m John, a sociologist. Valentine’s Day has become a cultural phenomenon, especially in the Western world. It’s fascinating to see how it has transformed from its roots to what we know today, with different countries adapting it to their unique customs and beliefs.
As we know, Valentine’s Day has different meanings and practices across different countries and cultures. Can you share some of the most interesting ones you’ve encountered, Sarah?
Guest 1: Absolutely. I find it quite intriguing that in Japan and Korea, Valentine’s Day is associated with specific gifts for men and women. In Jamaica, they celebrate with mass weddings, while in Brazil, it’s held in June. And in Saudi Arabia, it’s forbidden due to religious reasons. It just goes to show how diverse our perceptions of love and romance can be.
John, with your background in sociology, what do you think drives these variations in how we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Guest 2: I think it’s a mix of cultural influences, religious beliefs, and local traditions. Each country has a unique historical and societal context that shapes their interpretation of love and romance. As Valentine’s Day spread globally, these variations became apparent, leading to some countries adopting different practices while maintaining the overall theme of expressing love and affection.
Another interesting aspect of Valentine’s Day is the exchange of cards, flowers, and chocolates. What are your thoughts on this commercialization of the holiday, Sarah?
Guest 1: Well, I wouldn’t say it’s entirely commercialization. These tokens of love have been around for centuries, with the ancient Greeks and Rom
