How is Valentines Day celebrated around the world?
The marking of Valentine’s Day is intended to celebrate a rebellious priest from Roman times and it has become a global phenomenon, with couples from every corner of the Earth making romantic gestures on 14 February. Almost two thousand years ago, Emperor Claudius II reportedly banned marriage in order to increase the numbers of single men, who he considered to be better soldiers. However, a priest called Valentine, continued to carry out marriage ceremonies for couples and was imprisoned as a result. He later fell in love with a woman who visited him and wrote her a letter before he was put to death. The swapping of Valentine’s cards is intended to symbolise this love letter. Many countries have their own romantic interpretations of this ritual, including Japan. On 14 February, women give small gifts to their male loved ones and friends and a month later, on 14 March, or ‘White Day’ the men return the favour.
