Page 6 - The Friday Flyer ● February 9, 2018

A-6 THE FRIDAY FLYER FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Celebrating Valentine’s Day around the world

BY PAT VAN DYKE Sant Jordi Day when at which time men
COLUMNIST, THE FRIDAY FLYER are given gifts of books and women are
This coming Wednesday is the day given roses.
when the National Retail Federation pre- In Germany, the celebration of Val-
dicts that over $18 billion will be spent entine’s Day is not as commercial as in
by people in the United States to profess other parts of the world. Lovers will ex-
their love to another, meaning that $137 change gifts of flowers, candy and heart-
per person will be spent on each person shaped gingerbread cookies along with
participating in the festivities of this day. a picture or small statue or candy shaped
It’s Valentine’s Day. pig. The pig represents luck and lust.
While this may look like a huge Lovers in Argentina celebrate Valen-
amount, keep in mind that during the tine’s Day on Feb. 14 but they also set
holidays of 2017, people in the United aside seven days in July to celebrate
States spent over $3 trillion for gifts, Sweetness Week. During those seven
decorations and celebrations of Christ- you do from the days, friends and lovers exchange can-
mas and Hanukkah. Valentine’s Day get free line of dies and kisses. The week ends with the
may be a day when one thinks he reach- shipping! women. last day being declared Friendship Day.
Mexico’s version of Valentine’s Day,
es deep into his wallet to show his love The USA The women El Dia del Amor y la Amistad, translates
to his mate, but it is pale in comparison is not the only who were not
to the winter holidays. country that cel- called out by a man to The Day of Love and Friendship. The
people of Mexico spend Feb. 14 hon-
Valentine’s Day is a fairly “new holi- ebrates Valentine’s would then build a
day.” In Britain, Valentine’s Day did not Day or a form of a bonfire and burn the oring and showing appreciation to the
people that they love. Flowers, candy,
become a tradition until the mid-19th “Lover’s Day” on either photos of the men who ribbons and balloons are given to their
century when the first handmade cards Feb. 14 or another set day rejected them while hurling romantic partners. Small gifts or greet-
were made by star-struck lovers for one during the year. Other coun- insults and curses. This prac- ing cards are given to family and friends.
another with the United States celebra- ties have their own unique way tice was later band by the French Often, a young lover will hire a group of
tions not far behind. of remembering their loved ones on government. Mariachis to accompany him as he ser-
It was during the 20th century that a special day. On Valentine’s Day in South Af- enades his beloved from below her win-
Valentine’s Day became extremely pop- France, considered by many as one rica, women pinned a heart that con- dow. This fascinating Mexican tradition
ular in the USA. It was then that schools of the most romantic destinations in the tains the name of their sweethearts to has been in practice since ancient days.
began having each student make a spe- world, has long been celebrating Valen- their sleeve. This was also an effective The people of Taiwan bring a roman-
cial box in which to receive Valentine tine’s Day. It is said that the first Valen- method for the women to let the men tic bouquet of roses to an entirely new
messages from classmates. tine’s Day card originated in 1415 when know whom they secretly admire. level. Twice a year, Feb. 14 and July 7,
Now, in the 21st century, we find our- Charles Duke of Orleans sent a love let- In Russia, Defender of the Fatherland men are expected to give a bouquet to
selves purchasing the traditional roses ter to his wife as she was imprisoned in Day is celebrated on Feb. 23 with the their sweetheart. However, according to
and candy for our loved ones for an as- the Tower of London and he signed it women giving the special men in their Taiwanese tradition, the color and num-
tounding amount of money. The price “Your Valentine.” lives small gifts to honor those who ber of roses give a special message. Red
of long-stemmed red roses will double Perhaps, the most controversial Val- have fought or will fight to defend their roses represent an only love, 99 roses
in price for delivery on Feb. 14 and a entine Day event was held in France country. In turn, on Mar. 8, International express love forever and 108 roses asks
“Large Valentines Chocolate Heart Truf- called the “loterie d’amour” (Drawing Women’s Day is celebrated with men the question, “Will you marry me?”
fle Box Milk Free Nut Free Gluten Free” for Love). At this event, single men and giving gifts to the women in their lives. The women in Japan celebrate Valen-
box of chocolate is available on Amazon women would line up opposite one an- Apr. 23 is World Book Day in Barce-
for $50. But if you’re a “Prime Member,” other and the men would pick “his match” lona. On that day, Barcelonans celebrate uuCONTINUED PAGE A8

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