Fundamentally, Valentine's Day is a mass outward expression
of love. Love is universal; it is what makes us human. So the essential spirit
of Valentine's Day is within every man and woman, regardless of nation. But,
how is Valentine's Day celebrated in other countries -- if at all? In this
article, we lift the lid on how Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United
Kingdom, France, Australia, Brazil and Portugal.
Valentine's Day in
the UK
Can Valentine's Day be celebrated without romantic verses
and sonnets by love-struck couples in the Bard's own land? While the mandatory
cards, flowers and chocolates dominate the day, youngsters in the UK also take
recourse to love poetry (published in magazines and tabloids on the Big Day) to
express their heart's desire.
This is, and always has been, a deep-rooted tradition in the
UK, tracing its origins to the fact that it was the British poets who wrote the
bulk of romantic verses for Valentine's Day.
Interestingly, birds have also long shared an intimate
association with Valentine's Day. Tradition has it that birds choose their
mates on 14 February each year. So, there could not be a better day to honour
love and commitment -- a fact that was first pointed out by Geoffrey Chaucer in
the 14th century!
In the UK, the coming of Valentine's Day also marks the end
of winter and the onset of spring -- new life, new beginnings. In some parts of
England, Valentine's Day is also referred to as 'Birds' Wedding Day'.
Traditionally, special buns topped with caraway seeds, raisins and plums are
baked to celebrate.
Recent surveys showed that Cupid-struck Britons spend around
£503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine's Day
annually! Not too bad for a nation famous for its emotional reserve?!
Valentine's Day in
France
It was a Frenchman who made history of sorts by writing the
world's first ever Valentine's Day card! Charles, Duke of Orleans was a young
Frenchman who had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and was
imprisoned in the Tower of London. While languishing in prison, he wrote a poem
or 'Valentine' to his wife, little knowing that he was setting into motion a
trend that would far outlive him.
Valentine's Day in France was characterized by a rather
unusual custom known as 'drawing for'. In this activity, unmarried couples
would enter the house facing across the street. Then would follow a 'calling
out' session and, those who liked the person whose name was being called out,
would go off with that man/woman. However, if the young man took a dislike to
the chosen valentine, he would simply refuse to go! After the ritual was over,
the rejected girls would light a bonfire and burn images of the young man
(men), bellowing abuse as they did so!
Later, a decree of the French government banned this custom
on the grounds of it reflecting poorly on the basic emotion of love and
friendship that was the hallmark of Valentine's Day.
In France, elegant greeting cards, containing tender love
messages, called 'cartes d'amities' were also exchanged between lovers.
Valentine's Day in
Australia
It was during the Gold Rush in Australia that Valentine's
Day fervour reached its peak! Nothing was too extravagant or expensive to woo
the chosen one.
The Gold Rush saw hundreds of men grow rich overnight. Flush
with all that newfound money from the Ballarat mines, the smitten men spared no
expenses in presenting the most extravagant 'valentines' to their sweethearts.
The men actively competed with one another in giving the
most expensive valentine to their chosen lady. After all, their gift sealed
their romantic fate. 'Valentines' were often made of a perfumed satin cushion,
and exquisitely embellished with flowers and colourful shells and even a taxidermied
humming bird! This 'valentine' was then packed in a beautifully decorated and
expensive box to be sent to the fair maiden. Whether their labour bore fruit or
not is, of course, an altogether different matter!
Recent surveys have now revealed a little-known fact about
Valentine's Day in Australia -- that the men are not only more romantic than
the women when it comes to open declarations of affection, they also beat the
women in the purchase of Valentine's Day cards!
Valentine's Day in
Brazil
In the land of carnivals and joie de vivre, Valentine's Day
takes on a slightly different hue. Young Brazilians observe 'Dia dos Namorados'
or Boyfriend's/ Girlfriend's Day on 12 June instead of Valentine's Day on 14
February. But the inherent spirit of love and romance dominates the occasion.
The date -- 12 June -- was chosen for a particular reason.
This date is observed by devout Brazilians as the day of St. Anthony of Padua,
the saint who is believed to bestow fortune and blessings on marriages.
Even though it may not be carnival time, Brazil resembles a
carnival alright with stores stocked with flowers, cards, chocolates and
assorted popular Valentine's Day gift items. Giving gifts is a major activity
and thoughtful gifts are exchanged between girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands
and wives. There is a lot of love, laughter and general merriment all around.
Elaborate meals are cooked at homes, there are parties and family get-togethers
in the evening, while the younger ones spend the day with their beloved.
No Brazilian celebration can be complete without dance and
music and this day is no exception. Work is suspended and almost everyone gets
into the mood. There are cultural shows, concerts and musical extravaganzas --
all a huge hit with Brazilians.
'Dia dos Namorados' is not for the youngsters alone but is
looked upon by men and women of all ages as the occasion to shower their loved
one with some special care..
Valentine's Day in
Portugal
Portugal has a unique custom that is all its own -- giving
gift baskets on Valentine's Day. The contents of the basket can range from
chocolates to spa products to even aged liquor! Each basket carries a meaning
and for a shy young man, it is a lifesaver!
The contents of the basket can be as varied as the young
man's imagination. One gift basket could have just chocolates, yet another wine
and cheese, while another can have fruits of all types.
Gourmet food and snacks, exotic spa products, delectable
cookies and candy bouquets have also been making their way into these gift
baskets in recent years.
In Portugal, the girls aren't the only ones receiving
baskets of gifts: the men can also eagerly look forward to receiving one. For a
man, the basket is preferably of aged liquors from their sweethearts. These
gift baskets are more than just baskets laden with exotic contents. They assume
a special significance on Valentine's Day!
