Today, half the planet will be blaming shops and brands for trying to market something as abstract as love while the other half (who are we trying to kid?) will be hoping to receive a gift.
Whether we’re talking about the founder of Corte Inglés, or Valentine, the rebel priest who dared to officiate weddings despite Emperor Claudio’s ban on them, it’s clear that 14 February has almost become the international day of love. Wait.. almost?
That’s right, almost! You probably wouldn’t have guessed it but Slovenia and Catalonia have something in common: they both recognize Saint George as a representative of the day of love rather than Saint Valentine. Although in the case of Slovenians, their celebration of love coincides with the longer days and the start of the farm work season on 12 March with rakes and scythes.
But the most curious love-related celebration is that of South Korea. On 14 February, women surprise their lovers with chocolates. One month later, though, the favor must be returned and it’s the women’s turn to receive candy (Chupa Chups is a bestseller!). Not to be forgotten are all the single people who, on 14 April, drown their sorrows by eating black noodles.
And if you’re single and couldn’t care less about any of this, pack your bags and head to Finland! There you would actually get bad looks for giving your partner a Valentine’s Day gift since they celebrate Ystävänpäivä, or rather, Friend’s Day.
The world is full of extraordinary cultures and traditions, so whether you decide to celebrate love today or not, we know what the perfect gift would be: a trip to discover any of these traditions!
