Stephanie Stefanovic takes a look at what lovers do on Valentine’s Day in random parts of the world.
Here in Australia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14th. If celebrating, couples often exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolate and jewellery. Many couples also choose to have a romantic night out at a restaurant. These customs are practised by many countries around the world, however there are certainly a number of places with their own unique way of celebrating love. With everything from giant toilets to wooden spoons, here are some interesting ways that love is celebrated around the globe.
“Purify Your Love” in Japan
In honour of the toilet, Japan’s biggest maker of sanitary ware is holding an event this Valentine’s Day in Tokyo, where couples can walk through a giant toilet seat-shaped entrance and play toilet-based games to strengthen their bond. One of the main games included is one where couples will work together to eliminate virtual germs that are projected onto the floor, which is supposed to make the couples feel closer.
Pray for Love in Thailand
Those looking for love in Thailand will visit the Trimurti Shrine, which is also referred to as the Lovers’ Shrine. The shrine features a statue of Lord Trimurti, who is said to represent love and unity. All year round, people visit the shrine with red roses, candles and incense, praying to find love. According to legend, Lord Trimurti emerges from the heavens every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30pm to listen to the prayers of his visitors.
“Spooning” in Wales
Boy, do the Welsh love a good spoon. On January 25th, the Welsh celebrate ‘Saint Dwynwen’s Day’, which involves many of the events and gifts we associate with Valentine’s Day. However, in lieu of red roses, the Welsh gift each other “love spoons”, which are carved wooden spoons that incorporate the traditional symbols of hearts, locks and chains, with the number of links representing the number of children desired.
Secret Admirers in Denmark
A relatively recent custom, the Danish celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Aside from exchanging cards, flowers and love letters, one of the main customs includes writing humorous poems called ‘gaekkebrev’. Men will write these poems and send them to the woman of their fancy, signing them with a dot for each letter of their name. The receiver must then guess the name of her admirer, and if correct he will gift her an Easter Egg that same year.
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve in South Africa
South Africans celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th, where the islands of Cape Town and Johannesburg host a number of fun-filled activities such as river-rafting and mountaineering. One of the more unique customs however, is the participation in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which involves young girls pinning the name of their crush on their sleeve. Sometimes the young men do not know they have an admirer until February 14th!
