Valentines Day Around the World St Valentine is

Valentine’s Day Around the World

St Valentine is a 3 rd Century Roman saint. St Valentine’s Day is on 14 th February, because… a) He was born that day b) He died that day c) He healed a girl from blindness that day d) He helped several young couples get married that day

St Valentine is a 3 rd Century Roman saint. St Valentine’s Day is on 14 th February, because… a) He was born that day b) He died that day c) He healed a girl from blindness that day d) He helped several young couples get married that day

True or False? • 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.

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.

In which country does this happen? • Women give men chocolate on February 14 • Men give women nonchocolate 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 • Women give men chocolate on February 14 • Men give women nonchocolate 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? • 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? 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…

Share a traditional love story from your culture.

Share about loved ones you miss at home.