Culture of Valentine's Day

By ChinaFlower214

2014-02-08 00:00:00

Date

　　On Valentine’s Day, dinner date is very important to the development of a relationship. Different countries (regions) have different cultures:

    The Unites States: On this day, men will say “Happy Valentine’s Day” to women who are not their girlfriends. It has become a way of greeting in public. But usually, men will not greet another man like this.

　　The United Kingdom: Since 17 century, celebrating Valentine’s Day has become common.

    Japan: Women will give chocolates to men they love and men will return the favor on White Valentine’s Day（ホワイトデー，White Day） a month later. It was a result of businessmen’s hype in 1977. Yomiuri Shimbun explained, “The gift must be white chocolate, because it will prevent that stingy men would keep the chocolates that their girlfriends have given them, and in return, hand out these chocolates back.

　　Chinese Taiwan: Due to the influence from neighboring countries like Japen, Taiwan also celebrates this festival. Different from Japan, in Taiwan, it is boys who give presents to girls. In addition, those who don’t have a date can also express their love to who they like. Lovers will also have a date on this day.
 
China: After the reform and opening-up, many young people began to celebrate this festival. At present, in the eyes of young people, this festival is as important as Spring Festival and Mid-autumn festival. Generally, boys will give presents to girls and girls would also return presents. Besides, other important activities include having dinner at a romantic place and sending blessings on network love wall to express the promise and eternity of their love have become a new fashion. For those who are pursuing girls, on this day, if girls accept their valentine presents or invitations, it means their relationships are established. Because for the word “lover”, there are different explanations (In mainland Chinese, “lover” also means “mistress”, namely, a relation that out of legal marriage), so it is controversial. On the other hand, because people worry that there are too many western festivals become popular in China，which may dilute the enthusiasm for celebrating Chinese traditional festivals. So, Valentine’s Day is always disapproved by some people.

　　Hong Kong: Under the longtime influence of western culture, people in Hong Kong have celebrated this festival for many years. Men and women will exchange presents. Men usually give flowers, chocolate, jewelry to women and women always buy them watch and tie. And then, they will go to restaurant to have a candlelight dinner.

　　Macao: On Valentine’s Day, men will give women flowers and women will give chocolates to men. This festival is important to couples. 

　　Presents

    In 1980s, American diamond dealers began to have sales promotion of jewelry on Valentine’s Day, making jewelry become Valentine gift along with chocolates and flowers.

　　Love Song

　　Sing love songs is a type of way to express love. Sometimes, men would make a proposal by singing love songs. Especially on meaningful days like Valentine’s Day, it is very common.