In today’s article, we will unveil to you the list of countries that mandate women to give men chocolate. You will get to find out about those countries and learn about such traditions observed.
The single act of compulsorily giving out chocolate bars on Valentine’s day might seem weird but in so many countries across the world.
It is a tradition that marks a day of celebrating St. Valentine’s.
It is generally known as “Valentine’s Day” (Lover’s Day). This post will try to highlight some of these countries and keep you informed, just in case you had no idea about this.
What is the Origin of Valentine’s Day?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend says Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided unmarried men made better soldiers than those with families, he outlawed marriage.
Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, causing Claudius to order that he be put to death. Other stories suggest Valentine was killed for attempting to assist Christians to escape Roman prisons.
It is also said that Valentine sent the first Valentine’s Day greeting. Yet another legend says Valentine fell in love while imprisoned, possibly with the jailor’s daughter who visited him.
Before his death, he is said to have written her a letter and signed it “From your Valentine.”
Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world.
While February 14 marks a day of candy, flowers, greeting cards, and romantic dinners around the world.
Different parts of the world have their own unique ways to celebrate St. Valentine.
Read Also: Valentine’s Day Messages for Lovers
The Country that Mandates Women to Give Chocolate to Men on Valentine’s Day
In this Asian country (Japan), Valentine’s Day is all about women purchasing the right amount and quality of chocolate for their husbands, boyfriends, and even male coworkers.
Valentine’s Day in Other Countries
United Kingdom
The celebration of Valentine’s Day is alive and well in the United Kingdom. In a tradition dating back to the Victorian era, anonymous valentines are sent to romantic interests.
Victorians believed signing their name to the card was considered bad luck. The United Kingdom also started the tradition of giving roses on Valentine’s Day. The flower is traditionally seen as the favorite of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Wales
Rather than celebrate love on February 14, residents of Wales celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and men traditionally gift women with hand-carved wooden spoons.
The tradition is based on the notion that Welsh sailors carved designs into wooden spoons while at sea to bring back to their lovers at home.
South Korea
As in Japan, women in South Korea give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day while men celebrate White Day. South Korea has the third holiday, however, known as Black Day.
Celebrated on April 14, single friends gather to eat noodles and celebrate being single. The name comes from the noodle dish, which includes white noodles in a black sauce.
Slovenia
In Slovenia, February 14 is considered a prime day for working in the fields as St. Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. Slovenians typically celebrate romance a month later, on St. Gregory’s Day, which falls on March 12.
You can make this day special for someone too. Give gifts to your loved ones and make them happy on this special day.
Learn More About The Two Types of Chocolates Given to Men in Japan on February 14
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