February 14th is earmarked exclusively for lovers. Love is expressed in many ways and is such an essential part of life that it even has its own special day. While cultural traditions vary from country to country, “what the world needs now, is love sweet love,” is a theme that remains universal. In Italy, Valentine's Day was once celebrated as a spring festival where young people would gather in brightly decorated gardens to listen to music and read poetry. Over time however, this custom transformed.
In modern day Italy the day is celebrated mainly by the young people who take the opportunity to profess love for their sweethearts the American way, with gifts like perfume, chocolate, flowers, cards, and jewelry. A popular Valentine's Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina, a small, chocolate-covered hazelnut containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages.
In place of Valentine’s Day, Brazilians celebrate “Dia dos Namorados,” a similar holiday also known as Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day. It is celebrated on June 12th and is a time in which lovers give each other flowers, cards, chocolates and other gifts in the name of love.
In Japan, it is only the women who give presents to men, usually in the form of chocolates. Traditionally, Japanese women were too shy to express their love, therefore Valentine's Day was thought to be a great opportunity for females to share their feelings. Men are supposed to return gifts to women on a day called "White Day," exactly one month later on March 14th.
In Mexico, February 14th is “Día de San Valentin,” but is more commonly referred to as “El Día del Amor y la Amistad,” or the “day of love and friendship.” People commonly give flowers, candies and balloons to their romantic partners, but it's also a day to show appreciation for friends.
Candy and sweets are a common gift for Korean Valentine’s Day, also celebrated on February 14, but like the Japanese, only the females do the gift giving. There is another special day for males to give gifts to females, and this is celebrated on March 14. Very similar to the “White Day” of Japan, Korea’s has its own “White Day” on March 14. On “White Day” many young men confess their love to their sweethearts for the first time. For those young people who have no particular romantic interests, the Koreans have set aside yet another date, April 14, known as “Black Day.” On that date, such individuals get together and partake of Jajang noodles, which are black in color.
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