By Guinevere Avalon
Dwi'n dy garu di
I find Wales to have one of the most unusual yet interesting traditions for Valentine's Day. Now, in modern times, men of course resort to chocolates, roses and cards, but every now and then, you find those traditional folk, who still give a Welsh love spoon to the people who hold their affections. Yes, you read it right!
This tradition began hundreds of years ago, when men presented wooden spoons to the girl they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with. If the girl accepted the love spoon, she showed that she was interested in the man and they could begin courting, which usually led to marriage. The spoons were carved with intricate details and symbols, which show the depth of
Jeg elsker dig
Denmark takes writing cards and love notes to a whole new level. One of the most popular traditions for Danish people are Lover's Cards, which are colourful cards, filled with love messages, poems, and some even emit music. The ones that are filled with love poems are usually quite funny and rhyming is a must. But there is a twist! A man does not sign his name, however, but puts as many small dots at the end of the message as there are letters in his name. The girl must then figure out who is her mysterious admirer. If she is successful in guessing the name, she gets an Easter Cookie egg on that holiday.
Aishiteru
Back away, men, it is women's time to shine. On Valentine's Day in Japan, it is the women who give chocolates and cards to the men they care about. The gifts are usually edible, like chocolate or homemade masterpieces. They give the gifts to almost all men in their lives from husbands to friends and bosses. You probably wonder, do Japanese women give the same chocolates to all men? The answer is no. There are two types of chocolate that a woman gives to a man in Japan. First one is giri choco or obligatory chocolate, which a woman gives to her friends, coworkers or a boss, so in short, people she has no romantic feelings about. Then, there is honmei choco, a more expensive variant, given to their husbands, boyfriends or when they first confess their feelings. A small token of affection accompanies the honmei chocolate from time to time, like a tie or a handkerchief.
That does not mean that men are not off the hook! Gifts are usually reciprocated on White Day, which falls on 14th March, when men buy cards and chocolates to all women from whom they received gifts on Valentine's Day.
Although I only presented three, there are many more unique and unusual Valentine's Day traditions around the world worth checking out. You never know, you might even get a good idea for this year's surprise!