Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine's Day is celebrated in some Asian countries with Singaporeans, Chinese and South Koreans spending the most money on Valentine's gifts.[34]
In Japan, it has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers. This is known as giri-choko (義理チョコ), from the words giri ("obligation") and choko, ("chocolate"). This contrasts with honmei-choko (本命チョコ); chocolate given to a loved one. Friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko (友チョコ); from tomo meaning "friend". By a further marketing effort, a reciprocal day called White Day has emerged. On March 14, men are expected to return the favour to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. Originally, the return gift was supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence "White Day". However, lingerie and jewelry have become common gifts.[citation needed]
In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14. On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of Feb or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and "mourn" their single life. Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date '11/11' is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie. The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea, although most of them are obscure. From January to December: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.
In China, the common situation is the man gives chocolate, flowers or both to the woman that he loves. In Chinese, Valentine's Day is called (simplified Chinese: 情人节; traditional Chinese: 情人節; pinyin: qing ren jie).
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Valentines day 2009 in Central and South America
In Guatemala, Valentine's Day is known as "Día del Amor y la Amistad" (Day of Love and Friendship). Although it is similar to the United States, the version in many respects, it is also common to see people do "acts of recognition" for their friends. [32]
In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. "Day of Love", or "Boyfriends' / Girlfriends' Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and packages flowers. This day was chosen because it is likely the eve of the Feast of Saint-Antoine junina of the day, he knows that the sacred marriage, traditionally, when many single women perform popular rituals, called Simpatia, to find a good husband or boyfriend. On 14 February of Valentine is not celebrated at all, mainly for cultural and commercial reasons, because it usually falls too little before or after Carnival, a major floating holiday in Brazil - long regarded as leave sex and debauchery of many in the country [33] - which can fall anywhere from early February to early March.
In most of South America the Día del amor y la amistad (lit. "Love and Friendship Day") and the Amigo secreto ( "Secret friend") are very popular and, Generally, all celebrated on 14 February (one exception is Colombia, where it is celebrated on September 20th). This consists of randomly allocated to each participant a recipient must be given an anonymous gift (similar to Christmas tradition of Secret Santa).
In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. "Day of Love", or "Boyfriends' / Girlfriends' Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and packages flowers. This day was chosen because it is likely the eve of the Feast of Saint-Antoine junina of the day, he knows that the sacred marriage, traditionally, when many single women perform popular rituals, called Simpatia, to find a good husband or boyfriend. On 14 February of Valentine is not celebrated at all, mainly for cultural and commercial reasons, because it usually falls too little before or after Carnival, a major floating holiday in Brazil - long regarded as leave sex and debauchery of many in the country [33] - which can fall anywhere from early February to early March.
In most of South America the Día del amor y la amistad (lit. "Love and Friendship Day") and the Amigo secreto ( "Secret friend") are very popular and, Generally, all celebrated on 14 February (one exception is Colombia, where it is celebrated on September 20th). This consists of randomly allocated to each participant a recipient must be given an anonymous gift (similar to Christmas tradition of Secret Santa).
Valentines day 2009 in Europe
Valentine's Day has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk, a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person. In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day) on January 25 instead of or as well as St Valentine's Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers. In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries. In Spain Valentine's Day is known as "San Valentín" and is celebrated the same way as in the U.K.
In Denmark and Norway, Valentine's Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but a lot people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one. In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only bested by those for Mother's Day.
In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones. In Estonia Valentine's Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has a similar meaning.
In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine's Day has been celebrated as the day when the first works in the vineyards and on the fields commence. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. Nevertheless, it has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love is traditionally March 12, the Saint Gregory's day. Another proverb says "Valentin - prvi spomladin" ("Valentine — first saint of spring"), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag ("dear"), which can also be found in the word dragoste ("love"). In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine's Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from many groups, reputable persons and institutions[31] but also nationalist organizations like Noua Dreapta, who condemn Valentine's Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch.
Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü in Turkey, which translates into "Sweethearts' Day".
According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av - Tu B'Av (usually late August) is the festival of love. In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.
In Denmark and Norway, Valentine's Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but a lot people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one. In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only bested by those for Mother's Day.
In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones. In Estonia Valentine's Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has a similar meaning.
In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine's Day has been celebrated as the day when the first works in the vineyards and on the fields commence. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. Nevertheless, it has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love is traditionally March 12, the Saint Gregory's day. Another proverb says "Valentin - prvi spomladin" ("Valentine — first saint of spring"), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag ("dear"), which can also be found in the word dragoste ("love"). In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine's Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from many groups, reputable persons and institutions[31] but also nationalist organizations like Noua Dreapta, who condemn Valentine's Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch.
Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü in Turkey, which translates into "Sweethearts' Day".
According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av - Tu B'Av (usually late August) is the festival of love. In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.
Who is Saint Valentine ?
Many first Christian martyrs were named Valentine. Until 1969, the Catholic Church has officially recognized Valentine eleven days. The honor of Valentine's February 14 Valentine of Rome (Valentinus Presb. M. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae). Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who suffered martyrdom in 269 AD and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the church of Saint Praxed in Rome. and the Carmelite Church Whitefriar Street in Dublin, Ireland.
Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and was killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. He is buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a place other than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).
The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third name of Saint Valentine, who was mentioned earlier this year under martyrologies date of February 14. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him. Some sources say the Valentine linked to romance is Valentine of Rome, others say Valentine of Terni. [Edit] Some researchers (such as Bollandists [citation needed]) have concluded that the two were originally from the same person.
No romantic elements are present in the early Middle biographies of one of these martyrs. At the time Valentine has become associated with romance in the fourteenth century, distinctions between Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni were totally lost.
In 1969 the revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feast of Saint Valentine on February 14 has been removed from the Roman calendar general and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: " Although the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to timetables, because with the exception of his name, we know nothing of Valentine, but it was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14. "The festival is still celebrated in Balzan and Malta, where the relics of the saint are claimed to find, and also in the world by traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Vatican II calendar.
The Early Medieval acta either Valentine were extracted by Bede and briefly outlined in Legenda Aurea. According to this version, Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by the Roman emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, trying to convert to Roman paganism to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert to Christianity, instead of Claudius. For this reason, he was executed. Before his execution, he would have done a miracle of healing the blind daughter of his jailer.
Legenda Aurea still providing no connection with sentimental love whatsoever traditions was embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to the Roman emperor Claudius II, would ordered that young men remain single. The emperor was expected to increase its military, arguing that married men are not good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found in this regard, he Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved, as the daughter of the jailer whom he had befriended and healing, or both. It is a note that read: "From your Valentine."
Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and was killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. He is buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a place other than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).
The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third name of Saint Valentine, who was mentioned earlier this year under martyrologies date of February 14. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him. Some sources say the Valentine linked to romance is Valentine of Rome, others say Valentine of Terni. [Edit] Some researchers (such as Bollandists [citation needed]) have concluded that the two were originally from the same person.
No romantic elements are present in the early Middle biographies of one of these martyrs. At the time Valentine has become associated with romance in the fourteenth century, distinctions between Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni were totally lost.
In 1969 the revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feast of Saint Valentine on February 14 has been removed from the Roman calendar general and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: " Although the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to timetables, because with the exception of his name, we know nothing of Valentine, but it was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14. "The festival is still celebrated in Balzan and Malta, where the relics of the saint are claimed to find, and also in the world by traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Vatican II calendar.
The Early Medieval acta either Valentine were extracted by Bede and briefly outlined in Legenda Aurea. According to this version, Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by the Roman emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, trying to convert to Roman paganism to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert to Christianity, instead of Claudius. For this reason, he was executed. Before his execution, he would have done a miracle of healing the blind daughter of his jailer.
Legenda Aurea still providing no connection with sentimental love whatsoever traditions was embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to the Roman emperor Claudius II, would ordered that young men remain single. The emperor was expected to increase its military, arguing that married men are not good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found in this regard, he Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved, as the daughter of the jailer whom he had befriended and healing, or both. It is a note that read: "From your Valentine."
What is Valentine's Day
The symbols of Valentine, hearts, doves, love and love notes.
American postcard, circa 1900.
American postcard, circa 1900.
Day or Valentine's Day Valentine's Day is a festival celebrated on February 14. In the West, it is the date on which lovers express their love for each other by sending cards Valentine, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day was associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass production of greeting cards. The sending of Valentine was a fashion in the nineteenth century in Britain and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a thriving business in Worcester, Massachusetts home with Valentine made the Hand cards based on British models. The popularity of cards Valentine in the 19th century, America was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States
The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that nearly one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day of the second largest card holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines
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