Valentine's Day Around the World

Yay, it's the day we celebrate that greatest of all emotions (in my books anyway). In honour of St. Valentine's Day, I made an English newsletter with little snippets of celebrations around the world for the kiddles (the older ones, 13-15). Today, I'd like to share some of those facts with you.

Roman Empire
There are many stories about St. Valentine, but the 3 most famous agree that he lived under Emperor Claudius and that he died on February 14.

Britain
Many years ago, Brits believed that the first man a young lady saw on Valentine's Day would be her husband.

Scotland
Men and women would go to a party. All the men would put their names in a hat, and the women would pull a name. The couples had to stay together for the duration of the party.

Denmark
People follow the tradition of "White Flowers." They send flowers called snowdrops to friends and loved ones.

Australia
During the Australian Gold Rush (circa 1851) people imported expensive perfumed satin cushions as Valentine's Day presents.

France
Charles, Duke of Orléans, wrote the first Vaelentine's card.

China
China celebrates their love festival, Qi Xi, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. (In Japan, this festival is called Tanabata and seems to be more about wishes than love.)

Japan
Girls give presents (usually chocolate) on Valentine's Day. On White Day (March 14), men return the favour.

Italy
People give Baci Perugina (Perugina Kisses). They are small chocolates with hazelnuts. They also include a special love message printed in multiple languages. (When I discovered this, I found them on Amazon Japan. My love message today came from reporter F.P. Jones. "Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.)

And if, like me, you'd like to try your hand at saying I love you in a foreign language, here are a few.

English                       I love you
Japanese                   愛してる (ai shiteru)
Afrikaans                   Ek is lief vir jou
Farsi                          Dooset Daram
French                       Je t'aime
Italian                         Ti amo
Shona (Zimbabwe)     Ndinokuda (good luck pronouncing that first syllable!)
Sioux                          Techihhila
Spanish                      Te amo
Tagalog (Phillipines)    Mahal kita
Telugu(Chennai, India) Ninnu premistunnanu