“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”

When from the depth of the heart echo these words for someone you have loved and always will, the heart misses a beat and the eyes become misty because the soul experiences something which no one else sees such is the strength of love.

A perfect synonym for such an expression is Valentine’s Day, a special occasion to celebrate love and romance. Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a celebration observed on February 14 each year.

It all began when Saint Valentine was arrested for performing weddings for soldiers and Christian forbidden by the church for being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Evolving over the years and gaining popularity, this day is symbolised with heart-shaped candies, chocolates and balloons, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid the world over.

World-wide? Certainly, but with different traditions. With every country celebrating Valentine’s Day in their own way, let’s take a look to some fun and interesting Valentine’s traditions around the world.

Great Britain: On the eve of St. Valentine’s Day, women would pin four bay leaves to the corner of their pillows and then eat boiled eggs with salt (I prefer eating fried eggs though). They believed they would dream of their future husbands.

Japan: Celebrates two Valentine’s Days on February 14th and on March 14th. On February 14th women give chocolates not only to their boyfriends, bosses and to boys who are friends (this is surely the best). The men get to do the same on March 14th, which is called ‘White Day’.

South Korea: Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated as in Japan, but if women didn’t receive anything on these dates, they go to a restaurant on April 14th and eat black noodles to suffer for being single.

China: Sending roses! Well what’s new? It’s actually the number of roses sent. Sending one rose means “You are my only love,” sending 11 roses means “you are my favorite,” sending 99 roses means “I promise you everlasting love,” and sending 108 roses means “marry me.” Isn’t that sweet?

Denmark: Marked with funny letters: Men in this country send “gaekkebrev” (funny letters) to women on Valentine’s Day with anonymous romantic messages. At the end of the letter is a riddle and a point for each letter of their name. If the woman guesses correctly, the reward is an Easter egg.

United States of America: Apart from Valentine ‘s Day being an opportunity to express their feelings towards their loved one or to offer the hand of friendship to others, the tradition of sending an ‘anti-Valentine’ card is also popular. These cards bearing an insulting message for an enemy, or a goodbye for the existing partner with the message C-Ya! (See you!), would mean that the partner wants to end the relationship.

FUN FACTS:

A common phrase, "wearing your heart on your sleeve", has its origin from the Middle Ages.

According to a popular tradition, young men and women would draw chits from a bowl to know the names of their valentines and then, would wear that name on their sleeve for the entire week.

Excitement abuzz: It’s not only women who are generally excited about this romantic day, men too spend quite a lot to make their partners happy.

Flying Robin: It is said that if a woman sees a flying robin on Valentine’s Day, it is likely that she will marry a sailor. In case, she sees a flying sparrow then she marries a poor but a happy man. If it is a goldfinch, then luck is about to shine because there is a millionaire waiting for her.
Perhaps the most intriguing of all is the fact that around 5% American women are in the habit of sending flowers to themselves on the eve of Valentine’s Day.

However, girls don’t lose heart if you haven’t been proposed yet. The year 2016 is a leap year and a celebration in itself. Although we all are aware that it is customary for men to propose, but Feb 29 is the day of exception, as the girls can propose to their Sweethearts on this day and experience the change in trend.

VALENTINE GIFTS:

The Red Rose symbolizing strong romantic feelings is the preferred choice for most. Cupid, the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty, who often appears on Valentine cards and gift tokens holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to use magical arrows to arouse feelings of love. Lastly, all-time favourites, the chocolates and candies in heart-shaped boxes are very popular.

Yet the true embodiment of affection is the most beautiful and incredible gift of love- the Taj Mahal in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife; it stands as the emblem of the eternal love story and has witnessed this day for ages and will do so till time immemorial.

I personally believe, the day is a celebration of love and one does not need too many reasons to spoil someone you care about. So get those chocolates and flowers and brighten someone’s day.
Happy Valentine’s Day dear readers, stay blessed and remain happy.