By Iris Mbok, Year 12
February 14 marks a universal celebration of love. The mid-February Roman festival of Lupercalia has been rumored to be the holiday’s ancestor. Fertility rites and the lottery-based matching of women with males were part of the celebration of the arrival of spring. Pope Gelasius I banned the celebration of Lupercalia around the end of the fifth century, and it is often said that St. Valentine’s Day replaced it. Others claim that three martyred saints with the names Valentine or Valentinus served as priests in Rome and when Emperor Claudius II banned marriage because he believed that unmarried men were stronger soldiers than those with families. However, Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, with Claudius ordering his death.
Since then, Valentine’s Day has been a collective way for the world to celebrate relationships between loved ones. It started off as a romantic holiday, however, over the years has become a way to honour all important relationships. Additionally, traditions unique to specific countries have evolved.
In the United Kingdom, Valentine’s Day is largely celebrated. Loved ones use old customs, dating back to the Victorian era, in which anonymous valentines are sent to romantic partners. Victorians felt signing their name to the card was considered bad luck. The United Kingdom was also the first country to use roses as a gift on Valentine’s Day. The flower is recognised as the favorite of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Rather than celebrate love on February 14, in Wales, January 25 serves as their version of Valentine’s day, in which St. Dwynen is celebrated. St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron Saint of lovers. During this day, men traditionally gift women hand-carved wooden spoons. The tradition is based on the notion that Welsh sailors carved designs into wooden spoons while at sea to bring back to their lovers at home.
Moving East, in Japan, women are expected to make the first move on Valentine’s Day. This practice differs from “traditional” customs practiced in the Western world, in which men are expected to make the romantic gesture. In Japan, men are given gifts, one popular one being honmei-choco (a homemade chocolate). However, men return the gesture on March 14 in which “White Day” is celebrated. Men give women white chocolate and other white gifts as a sign of their affection.
Slightly moving West, likewise to Japan, women in South Korea give gifts to their male partners and the gesture is returned exactly a month after on “White Day”. However, South Korea has a third holiday known as “Black Day”. Celebrated on April 14, single friends gather to eat noodles and celebrate being single. The name comes from the noodle dish, in which white noodles are doused in a thick, black sauce.
In the USA, Valentine’s Day serves as an excuse to wear pinkish-reddish clothes and eat delicious baked goods which, too, are dyed in a similar pinkish-reddish color. This tacit dress code additionally adds a festive and romantic atmosphere to the day, in which each person serves as a symbol of love and passion.
Lastly, in Finland and Estonia, Friend’s Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a day for honoring both friends and significant others. Cards and gifts are given out and can be for anyone ranging from a friend to neighbor. February 14 is also a popular day to get engaged in both countries. Additionally, Estonia has thoughtfully included single people in this holiday. Those who do not have a partner can take a ride on a “Love Bus” in hopes of meeting someone special.
To conclude, make sure to let your loved ones know how much you appreciate them on this special day!
