Without the insights you are about to gain from this article, you might continue celebrating one of the world’s most cherished festive days year after year, blissfully unaware of its true origins. Without further ado, Valentine’s Day takes its name after Saint Valentine. Although many are unsure of how the holiday came to be, several accounts seem to agree on who this saint is and what he did during his lifetime. Based on these details, many have linked his deeds to why this all-popular holiday is celebrated in his name.
It’s believed that St. Valentine was a priest serving in Rome back in the 3rd century. The then Emperor, Claudius II made a decree disallowing single men to marry. His thought process: single men were better soldiers than those married and with families. While I don’t disagree completely with his point of view, I do with his strategy; so did St. Valentine, who decided the emperor’s method was preposterous. And so he turns out to be the anti-hero who secretly marries off lovers.
All was good and fine till his cover was blown. He was sentenced and executed. Although his story had a sour ending, while alive and carrying out his secretive exploits, he gave and saw the happiness of several lovers. It’s no wonder why the celebration of romantic love is now in his name.
Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated through the eyes of romance, it takes various shapes and forms in diverse parts of the world. Several countries have expanded the extent of beneficiaries of this festive day and normalized it thereby. In this article, we’ll journey across different countries, discovering how they express “I love you” in their native languages. More importantly, we’ll explore their unique traditions and ways of celebrating this global festivity. Ultimately, we’ll uncover diverse ways to show love—whether to a romantic partner, friends, or family—during this special time. So, come along with me!
1. Je t’aime: Starting in France, known as the Epicenter of Romance, it is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated here. If you happened to be in Paris, you might happen on trees, homes and yards decorated with love cards. Whether hand-written or purchased, a touchy and soulful love card can be your way of saying Je t’aime to your loved one.
2. Saranghae (사랑해): In South Korea, men are pampered by their female partners on this day with gifts especially, chocolates, but the favour is returned a month later. On March 14, men will reciprocate with a gift of their own, this time three times what they received. I love this particular one. It’s giving: Give and it shall be given unto you… pressed down, shaken together and running over…
3. Rakastan Sua: Finland happens to be one of the places where you don’t feel left out of the day’s festivities because you’re single. Here, it’s more about celebrating your friends than romantic love. So if you are flying solo for now, pretend to be in Finland and enjoy this season with a close friend.
4. Me dɔ wo: In Ghana, Valentine’s Day takes a sweet twist. Today, it will be raining boxes of chocolates. In 2005, Ghana declared Feb. 14 as its National Chocolate Day. Being the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, this isn’t too surprising. If you were in Ghana and receiving a box, if not boxes of chocolates, no doubt the giver is saying: me dɔ wo.
5. Ti Amo: In Italy, a romantic dinner awaits you, often an elegant homemade meal or eating out at a restaurant. According to Alan D. Wolfelt, “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” I couldn’t agree more, who wouldn’t love being treated to a nice meal on Valentine’s Day?
6. Ngiyakuthanda: You may not know the correct pronunciation of Zulu’s “I love you”, but you will certainly be familiar with the spelling and pronunciation of your loved one’s name. In South Africa, to commemorate today’s festivities, women would attach the names of their crushes onto their sleeves. Whether you’ll commemorate today this way, it’s up to your discretion but, a branded gift with your loved one’s name on it will surely give added weight to saying ngiyakuthanda if you successfully learn its pronunciation.
7. Mahal Kita: Being present in Philippines on such a day as today, you might experience mass weddings, a government-sponsored event, especially for young couples. While the Nigerian government might be far from ever doing this, you can take a cue from the Filipinos. Probably, not to get married today but to slot in a surprise proposal during this festive period. Of course, this is if you’re ready for it. Put a ring on that mahal kita.
8. Обичам те (pronounced Az Obicham Te): Like Ghana, Bulgaria gives today’s festivity a unique spin. Here Valentine’s festivities are celebrated as “San Trifon Zartan”, meaning “day of winemakers”. On this day, couples commemorate love each with a glass of their local wine. Imagine sharing a glass of wine with your partner and hearing them say az obicham te. Romantic ain’t it?
9. Ljubim Te: After eating a box of chocolates from Ghana, or being treated to an Italian dinner with a tall glass of Bulgaria’s local wine, what better way to end the night than a walk through the fields like it’s done in Slovenia? While taking in the hopefully gentle breeze outside you might hear a soft Ljubim Te whispered into your ears by your partner. Even if you don’t have so much to give in gifts, a romantic walk with your partner will seal the day beautifully.
10. Te Amo: If you are like the Argentines and a single day in February never suffices to celebrate love, then skip the entire festivity to the first week in July and celebrate “Sweetness Week” instead. There, you’ll have an unprecedented week of non-stop exchange of gifts, being showered with affections and indulging yourself with all sorts of sugary treats. So, if you consider saying Te Amo too hurried of a love confession, then experiencing seven days of celebrations suffice well for its brevity.
On this Day of love, generosity is commonplace, and so, I will add a bonus. This is probably my favourite.
11. ฉันรักเธอ (Chan rak ter): Who said Valentine’s Day is all for mushy feelings and activities? For a sizeable number of couples living in Thailand, Valentine’s Day is for nothing but raw adventure. Imagine spending today with your partner underwater or going skydiving together. These and many more are becoming commonplace in Thailand. In Nigeria, you might be considered almost insane to think of doing such things. Hence, I advise that you consider carefully what will be an adventure for you and your partner.
And that’s a wrap! What a delightful journey this has been! And yet, all that we’ve explored barely scratches the surface of the countless ways Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the world. Let it be known, dear reader, that this day is not solely reserved for romantic love but also embraces the beauty of platonic love. Even the simplest gestures—a heartfelt note or a leisurely walk—can hold immense meaning on a day like today.
I leave you with these wise words from Mother Teresa: “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
