Valentine’s schmalentines!

Valentine’s Day is a day celebrated by many, not only in South Africa, but the world over.

The one question that always comes to my mind in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, when the red and white hearts don shop windows and chocolate and flowers flow through the shopping aisles, is whether this day is still an important one in South Africa.

As the owner of Satin Candy, an upmarket lingerie boutique store, I constantly encounter both men and women popping by closer to this day in order to buy something special for their loved one and grin, because I know that for some, this day is still an important celebration and even if it is only for one day – I know that there will be a spirit of love in the air.

As South Africans, there are two kinds of people. Those who celebrate and those who don’t! For those that do, it has become a trend that men will spoil their partner to a romantic dinner, chocolates, flowers or even a couple’s massage or something special for the bedroom – which is one day that promotes intimacy and love – which could be a gift from both men and women alike. At Satin Candy we encourage men to pop by and choose something sexy for their ladies (preferably with the right measurements or something similar from their lady’s wardrobe, for us to determine her size) and have also had a number of ladies wanting to make the most of the “day of love” but buying red, white and pink lingerie to fit right in with the theme and have come back to us saying, “He didn’t expect it…it was the best gift ever!”

I had to wonder. Where did the tradition of giving gifts come from and do others still celebrate Valentine’s Day? So I did some research to find out how other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day – and found both the weird and the wonderful.

On February 14th, in Denmark, men are known to give their ladies a letter consisting of a funny poem or rhyme written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots which she has to guess who the sender is.
Then in one of the most romantic cities of the world, Paris, France – love letters are still sent. “It’s been said that the first Valentine’s Day card originated in France when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his life while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Today, Valentine’s Day cards remain a popular tradition in France and around the world.” Travelblog.viator.com
The English traditionally saw the women placing five bay leaves on their pillows—one at each corner and one in the center—to bring dreams of their future husbands – on the eve of February 14th – which was a tradition in the old days, but now that we are in the 21st Century, poems, SMS’s, flowers, chocolates, are given to loved ones.
Then moving onto Asia, in South Korea Valentine’s Day is a day when the ladies are supposed to spoil their men with gifts and not the other way around, where it is usually the responsibility of the man. But, a month later, on March 14th South Koreans celebrate “White Day” – a day when men give gifts to their women.
In Brazil – Valentine’s Day usually falls in the same month as their annual “Carnival”, so Brazilians skip February 14th and instead celebrate Dia dos Namorados, or “Lovers’ Day,” on June 12th.

It is exciting to see how many countries celebrate this special day and it really should not become an obsolete occasion. I believe that we should all make the most of this one day to treat our loved ones and even take some tips from around the world.
I also took time out to ask some of my customers if they still make a big deal about Valentine’s Day and here are some of the responses from both lovers and haters of the occasion.

“I love Valentine’s Day. I always enjoy receiving chocolates and having my hubby cook for me. I stay well away from restaurants as they get too full, plus I prefer a more intimate setting.” Chantal (aged 40).

“Valentine’s Day is non-existent to me. I don’t have a boyfriend so I buy gorgeous lingerie and underwear for myself. I don’t need someone to make me feel good about myself. All I need is a ‘supportive’ pretty bra and matching knickers,” Charde’ (aged 26).

Whether you are celebrating or not, why not share some love this Valentine’s Day! If you are still recovering from January, you can keep it simple – just to make sure your partner, lover, secret admirer, special friend or family knows they mean something to you.

Reference: http://travelblog.viator.com/valentines-day-traditions-all-around-the-world/