Valentine’s Day Around the World

He was born that day He died that day He healed a girl from blindness that day He helped several young couples get married that day St Valentine is a 3rd Century Roman saint. St Valentine’s Day is on 14th February, because… Very little is reliably known about St Valentine (though he has been a recognized saint since the 5th century). However, most traditions concur that he was martyred on 14 Feb. (Options c and d are actions attributed to St Valentine in various traditions, but not on 14 Feb.

He was born that day He died that day He healed a girl from blindness that day He helped several young couples get married that day St Valentine is a 3rd Century Roman saint. St Valentine’s Day is on 14th February, because… Very little is reliably known about St Valentine (though he has been a recognized saint since the 5th century). However, most traditions concur that he was martyred on 14 Feb. (Options c and d are actions attributed to St Valentine in various traditions, but not on 14 Feb.

In USA, about 100 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, not including the millions of cards school children exchange. In 2017, Americans spent US$10 billion on celebrating Valentine’s Day. True or False?

In USA, about 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, not including the hundreds of millions of cards school children exchange. In 2017, Americans spent US$18 billion on celebrating Valentine’s Day. False Facts from Wikipedia, citing National Geographic and ABC News.

In which country does this happen? Women give men chocolate on February 14 Men give women non- chocolate candy on March 14 (White Day) Those who didn’t get anything on Feb or Mar 14 go to a restaurant to eat black noodles on April 14 (Black Day) In which country does this happen?

Answer: South Korea Women give men chocolate on February 14 Men give women non- chocolate candy on March 14 (White Day) Those who didn’t get anything on Feb or Mar 14 go to a restaurant to eat black noodles on April 14 (Black Day) Answer: South Korea Some students may say the answer is Japan, and it’s somewhat true, but a later slide will capture what happens in Japan more accurately.

In which country does this happen? Feb 14 is not the romantic date night in this country. On Feb 14, women (particularly those working in offices) are obliged to give chocolates to all their male co-workers. (The chocolate companies in this country make half their annual sales during this time of year.) Mar 14 (White Day) is a “reply day”, where men are expected to give a gift to the women who gave them chocolate. These gifts should be 2 or 3 times more valuable than what was given on Feb 14. Possible gifts include jewelry, accessories, clothing, etc.

Answer: Japan Feb 14 is not the romantic date night in this country. On Feb 14, women (particularly those working in offices) are obliged to give chocolates to all their male co-workers. (The chocolate companies in this country make half their annual sales during this time of year.) Mar 14 (White Day) is a “reply day”, where men are expected to give a gift to the women who gave them chocolate. These gifts should be 2 or 3 times more valuable than what was given on Feb 14. Possible gifts include cookies, candles, jewelry, & clothing.

True or False? In Finland, Estonia, Mexico, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, 14 Feb is celebrated as “Friend’s Day”, when people show their appreciation for their friends.

True In Finland, Estonia, Mexico, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, 14 Feb is celebrated as “Friend’s Day”, when people show their appreciation for their friends.

Discussion Topics

What do you think is the best form of love What do you think is the best form of love? Eg, a parent’s love, brotherly love, true friendship, first love, the love between an old married couple, a ruler’s love for his people, sacrificial love… This will be subjective of course, and not a fair question, but it can lead to discussion!

Share a traditional love story from your culture.

Share about loved ones you miss at home.