In the U.S., Valentine’s Day is a day of romance and reverie. But in other countries, this day is celebrated in many unusual ways. Here’s 5 unusual Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world.
Valentine’s Day is almost here (February 14). In the U.S., millions of lovesick spouses (or significant others) will be scrambling for last-minute greeting cards, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, Chia Pets, or any other crowd-pleasing, romantic gifts for this special day dedicated to the art of romance.
In other parts of the world, this Valentine’s Day has been lovingly celebrated as far back as the 14th century. And in some countries, there have been some interesting and creative variations on this special day for lovers. Here are our top 5 unusual Valentine’s Day traditions from around the globe.
1. England
Back in the 1700’s, on Valentine’s Day eve, women in Great Britain will sprinkle rosewater on five bay leaves and then put one leaf on each corner, and one dead center on her pillow. Then the young damsels would drift off to sleep, dreaming of their future beaus. In theory, these “wishes” are magically transmitted to their intended target. (Perhaps it’s also a way to show your future husband that you can make a darn good pot roast.)
[Source: Huffington Post]
2. Italy
An old and unusual romantic tradition from Italy. Centuries ago, a young, unmarried woman would wake up before dawn on Valentine’s Day and look out their windows purposefully. It was believed that the first man each woman saw that day would become their husband within the next 12 months. There’s no evidence to support that this method was all that effective. (Dawn!? Who’s up that early?)
[Source: Huffington Post]
3. Malaysia
Here’s a modern twist in Malaysia. On the seventh day of the seventh month of the Lunar calendar, Malaysian women write their phone numbers on oranges and then toss them into the nearest river. According to tradition, each woman hopes that their orange will find its way into the hands of the man of her dreams. That’s when the phone number comes in handy. (Pity the gal that doesn’t use a pen with waterproof ink.)
[Source: list25.com]
4. Brazil
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day falls on June 13, not February 14. To this day, on Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day), men and women alike put the names of their favorite local heartthrobs in an old hat, then randomly pick a name from the designated chapeau. Then magic happens. In theory. (The methodology seems rather unscientific, but so is love, they say.)
[Source: list25.com]
5. Japan
Here’s a modern twist on who gets the gifts on Valentine’s Day. In Japan, it is the man who gets the gifts, not the woman. Women buy special gifts for their favorite fella. This is supposed to be an unsubtle signal to the mate to return the favor the following year. (No pressure, right?)
[Source: list25.com]
In short, love doesn’t require chocolates or flowers on Valentine’s Day. As we’ve seen, all you really need is an orange, some bay leaves and an old hat. But it might be a good idea to have a box of candy or a bouquet ready, just in case. On Valentine’s Day, it’s always good to have a back-up plan.
From all of us at AccuQuote, we wish you all a romantic Valentine’s Day.
