Is Valentine's Day celebrated worldwide?

Answer 1

Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine's Day has emerged in Japan and Korea as a day on which women, and less commonly men, give candy, chocolate or flowers. It has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers. In Japan this is known as giri-choko (義理チョコ), from the words giri ("obligation") and choko, from "chocolate".

By a further marketing effort, a reciprocal day called White Day has emerged. On March 14, men are expected to return the favour to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. Originally, the return gift was supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence "White Day". However, lingerie has become a common gift.

In Korea, there is an additional Black Day on April 14, when those who did not receive anything for Valentine's Day or have anyone to give a gift to gather together to eat Jajangmyun (Chinese-style noodles in black sauce). In South Korea, there is also Pepero Day, celebrated on November 11, during which young couples give each other romantic gifts.

In Chinese Culture, there is a similar counterpart of the Valentine's Day. It is called "The Night of Sevens" (七夕), according to legend the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid meet in Heaven on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar. The last "Night of Sevens" was on August 30, 2006. A slightly different version of this day is celebrated in Japan as Tanabata, on July 7th on the solar calendar.

In Egypt, there is another love day which is on November 4 each year. It is called "The Egyptian Love Day".

In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin." It is celebrated in much the same way as it is celebrated in the US.

In Persian culture (Iran) Sepandarmazgan is a day for love, which is on 29 Bahman in the jalali solar calendar. The corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar is 17 February. Sepandarmazgan were held in the Great Persian Empire in the 20th century BC.

According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av - Tu B'Av (usually late August) is the festival of love (hag haahava). In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.

In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. "Day of the enamored", or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts such as chocolates, cards and usually a flower bouquet. This day is chosen probably because it is the day before the Saint Anthony's day, known there as the marriage saint, when many single women perform popular rituals in order to find a good husband (or nowadays, a boyfriend).

In Colombia, the Día del amor y la amistad (lit. "Love and Friendship Day") is celebrated

In Finland, Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day".

In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. ("Valentine — first saint of spring"), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.

In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24.

In Denmark & Norway Valentine's Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag.

In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts Day") and was launched in the 1960's by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to influence of American culture.

Valentine's Day also has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although leavings treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.

In Asia, people celebrate it with a candle-light dinner.

In Wales many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.

In Turkey, Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü which translates into "Sweet Hearts Day".

Answer 2

yeh i believe so. of coursee if they dont believe in it then they mgiht not clebrate it!!

best of luck. my wishes to ya!