Unusual Valentine's Traditions from around the World

Each year on this day, people exchange cards, candy or flowers with their special “valentine.” Although February 14 has become synonymous with Hallmark throughout the states and in many other parts of the world, not every culture chooses to declare their love via a romantic greeting card or overpriced rose. In honor of the holiday, we at A B Pest Control & Insulation thought it would be fun to share with you some unusual Valentine's Day traditions from around the world!

Bulgaria
Like any other country, Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day in its own style. On February 14, San Trifon Zartan is celebrated in Bulgaria, which means “day of winemakers”. Young and old couples celebrate their love with a glass of wonderful local wine.

Finland & Estonia
Finland and Estonia have a friendlier celebration called Ystävän Päivä in Finnish and Sõbrapäev in Estonian.  February 14 is all about celebrating friendship, and people exchange presents and cards with the greeting ‘Happy Friends Day’.

Japan & South Korea
In Japan & South Korea, it’s the ladies who spoil the object of their affections with chocolates on the 14th of February – and it’s the type of chocolate given that counts. For husbands, boyfriends, or prospective boyfriends, high quality honmei-choco (‘true feeling’) chocolates are hand delivered, while colleagues or acquaintances receive giri-choco, the cheaper ‘obligation chocolate’.

Ghana
In Ghana, February 14 is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day.” It is a step that the Ghana government took in 2007 to increase tourism in the country. Ghana is among the largest cocoa producing countries in the world. On February 14, one can attend performances, music events, and restaurants have themed menus for the special day.

Norway
Secret admirers pen poems to their beloved, before cutting intricate patterns into the paper and pressing a small white Snowdrop flower inside. The ‘joke’ comes from the letter’s signature – or rather, it’s absence. Instead, budding poets sign off with a dot for each letter of their name. If the lady correctly guesses who her admirer is, she wins an Easter egg at Easter. If not, she has to give him one instead!

Philippines
Every year on February 14, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of couples come together in public places to be married en masse. Often, the celebrations are sponsored by the government as a public service, allowing underprivileged couples the opportunity to tie the knot.

Slovenia
In Slovenia, where St Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring, February 14 marks the first day of working in the fields for the New Year. It’s widely believed that this is the day that plants start to regenerate, and there’s even a proverb that says “St Valentine brings the keys of roots”.

Happy Valentine's Day from A B Pest Control & Insulation
Happy Valentine's Day from your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. We hope your day is filled with laughter, love and chocolates! And remember, if you're celebrating this beautiful day with your special someone and notice a pest problem, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100.

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