Love Languages & Valentine’s Day around the world:

Love language clearly demonstrate these unique characteristics.

• Words of affirmation:

• Do kind words make you feel more connected to your partner? Then you might speak this love language. It’s all about recognition.
• Have a partner who thrives on words of affirmation? They don’t necessarily want to be showered with compliments. But rather, they want to know you appreciate them.

• Acts of service:

• If you speak this love language, actions are louder than words. Words and gifts might seem empty. What’s important is a partner outing forth the effort. Do things you anticipate you partner wants and needs. This demonstrates how much you value and care for them.

• Receiving gifts:

• Gifts can express that you’re always thinking of your partner. Many perceive this language as materialistic, but it’s not the case. No diamond necklaces are required here. It’s about thoughtful gifts and not necessarily elaborate. Catering to this love language can be simple. Try picking up a bouquet of flowers or grab a pint of their favorite ice cream.

• Quality time:
  

• Do you or a partner identify with this love language. Then carving out time to spend with them is a biggie. But it’s about more than watching television together. It’s about having your partner’s full focus, ditching distractions during date night or breakfast, being present for your partner, ask them how they feel after a stressful week and actively listen when they respond. Being there for them is how they know you care.

• Physical Touch:

• The love language of physical touch isn’t just about sex. But touch does help certain people feel more connected. Someone who values physical touch likes lingering hugs or cuddling close, they probably also enjoy holding hands.

But how do you figure out your love language?

Focus on which aspects you find most important. Think about behaviors that make you feel loved and figure out which ones don’t mean much to you. This isn’t the only way to figure out your love language. Think carefully about your core principles and values too.

Are you someone who values community? Then you may care more about acts of service. If you value integrity, you may prefer words of affirmation.

Valentine’s day Traditions Around the World:

The Valentine’s Day legend is shrouded in mystery. One legend says Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided single men made better soldiers than those with families, he outlawed marriage. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, causing Claudius to order he be put to death.

For some, the origin of Valentine’s Day is pagan. It dates back to ancient Rome. At that time, the Lupercalia was celebrated between February 13 and 15 each year. A festival much less romantic than our Valentine’s Day. A goat was sacrificed in the cave where, according to legend, the she-wolf had suckled Romulus and Remus. Coated with the blood of this goat, the young men of good family ran then the streets to whip the women of strips of skin. Objective: to make them fertile! It was also on this day that the young men drew lots to choose the name of the one who would be their partner for the rest of the year…

Others claim that we owe Valentine’s Day to a martyr of the Catholic Church, Valentinus. While the Roman emperor Claudius II had forbidden marriages — to encourage soldiers to go to war in greater numbers — this priest would have continued to marry lovers under cover. A commitment which would have been worth to him the imprisonment then the execution… one February 14. Then, the pope would have abolished the Lupercales and named Saint Valentine, patron saint of lovers.

This festival that so many of us today consider a commercial holiday is nevertheless a real custom since the Middle Ages. Processions are even organized to celebrate the lovers. And games of hide-and-seek between bachelors are intended to allow everyone to find their soul mate. From the 19th century, the practice of exchanging love notes developed. Valentines”, cards bearing sweet nothings, became the symbols of Valentine’s Day. In the United States, it is customary to give them to all loved ones, in the broadest sense of the term.

It is also told that Valentine sent the first Valentine’s Day greeting. Yet another legend says Valentine fell in love while imprisoned, perhaps 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, other parts of the world have their own unique ways to celebrate St. Valentine.

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.

Japan:

In Japan, women make the first move on Valentine’s Day. They give men gifts instead of the other way around, a popular gift being honmei-choco, a homemade chocolate. Men return the gesture on March 14. Known as White Day, men give women white chocolate and other white gifts as a sign of their affection.

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 a 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.

Finland and Estonia:

Finland and Estonia celebrate Friend’s Day on February 14, a day for honoring both friends and significant others. Cards and gifts are still given out and can be for anyone from a best friend to a neighbor. February 14 is also a popular day to get engaged in both countries. Additionally, Estonia has an interesting tradition for single people—they can take a ride on the Love Bus in hopes of meeting someone special.

And you, how are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Tell us in the comment section below!