Valentine

Valentines Day is really a worldwide holiday. Europe, USA, Asia February 14 is considered the main day for all lovers everywhere. Every country has its own interesting traditions to celebrate the holiday and present original gifts.

Many countries have one common tradition: make a declaration of love and marrying at Valentines Day. Thats why people arrange collective weddings, when several couples pledge marriage vows, right at this day.

It was considered birds chose a match for themselves on February 14. People also should find their half at this day. You know, birds played also another interesting role in fortune-telling: if a girl saw a robin during Valentines Day, it was considered she would marry a seaman; if she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man she would be happy with. Well, if a girl saw a goldfinch, then she would marry a real rich man according to all signs!

However, in general every country has its own traditions of Valentines Day celebration.

For example, in England people have been choosing Valentines for themselves since Middle Ages. Youths gathered together, wrote girls names on parchment, put papers in a hat and drew lots. A girl whose name a youth chose became his date, his Valentine for a whole year. And later they invented a witty tradition: on February 14 a girl asked a man marrying her. In case he refused he had to present her a good gift.

Now Englishmen do not observe all ancient traditions. But especially romantic persons still tell fortunes on Valentines Day. To observe all rules, a girl wakes up by daylight and look out the window. The first man they see would be their promised husband. And those who are dreaming to have a good sleep should come to a river or pond during a day and throw scraps with male names in water. A name that emerges first will be a name of your future husband.

Japanese people do not tell fortunes on Valentines Day. They know whom they love. On February 14 they construct a big dais and arrange en event called The Loudest Love-Letter. Anyone can go on a dais and shout a love confession for a loved person. The loudest one gets a prize.

Poles are very serious about Valentines Day. They come to St. Valentines relics and icon and pray. It is considered pilgrimage to these relics helps in love affairs.

Each country also has its own gift ideas for a Valentines Day.

Englishmen are ready giving presents to everyone. They have gifts even for their home pets. And of course, every loved person will be appreciated this day with a Valentine card.

Americans keep pace with Englishmen. They made a whole fortune selling gifts for a Valentines Day and present their halves various sweets traditionally. These are chocolate and caramels with different holiday texts. Sweets packed in heart-shape boxes are especially appreciated. And of course, red roses are among other gifts this day. Statistics shows generous Americans buy about 20 000 red roses every minute on a Valentines Day.

France values never-fading beauty. So, people present jewelry to their halves. And all other close people: grandmothers, grandfathers, relatives and friends receive little Valentine cards.

Reserved Danes send dried white flowers to each other.

Vigorous Italians present exceptionally sweets. They often call a Valentines Day a sweet day.

Japan also likes sweets. Japanese women present various chocolates to their loved men and receive white chocolates from them.