Valentine's Day Around the World

By Olivia Reed, 7th Grade

There are many different cities, states, capitals, countries, and continents around the world who celebrate the same holidays as you just in unique ways. Starting in the North and working our way South we will name the continents and how each section celebrates the upcoming holiday, Valentine's Day!

In North America the states celebrate Valentine's day similarly, chocolates, Cupid, flowers, cards; even finding a loved one and asking them to "be mine" for the day. As we travel East we come across continents such as Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the islands of Oceania who celebrate in some of the sweetest ways. The traditions of sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts began in the UK. Valentine's Day will continue to be viewed as the christian day of love regardless of how America has modernized it. In the Norfolk tales, a character called Jack Valentine knocks on the backdoor of houses leaving candy and presents for children. No matter how many treats he gave the kids, many children were still scared of this mystical person. Going West it isn't very different from North but they do tend to add their own twist.They celebrate twice a year, February 14th and July 7th every year. Men who don't bring their beloved a bouquet of flowers will be frowned upon. Finally South, they have events leading up to Valentine's day, the 10th of February is a sip and shop, February 11th is a spaghetti supper, you can go to a Valentine's market on the 12th, the 12th also has a lovers concert to go to, Salsa night is on the 13th, and there is an optional couples game show on Valentine's day. That is how Valentine's Day is celebrated internationally; North, South, East, and West.