Love festivities, valentine equivalents celebrated internationally

While the U.S. celebrates with chocolates, teddy bears, cards, and roses, other countries do celebrate their love, but in different ways. 

In Chile, Valentine's Day is known as the Día de San Valentin and is celebrated on February 14th. Día de San Valentin is highly anticipated by younger couples, and is commonly planned well in advance. There is a great emphasis placed on spoiling your partner with gifts, and a common present to be given are precious jewels and gems. 

To celebrate their love, Italian’s are similar to the U.S. with the giving of flowers, romantic dinners, and chocolates. There is a newer tradition among the younger generations where the lovers and sweethearts profess their love by attaching locks or “lucchetti” to bridges or railings and throwing away the key.  

The Chinese equivalent to “Valentine’s Day” is the Qixi Festival. The festival is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese calendar. This year, the Qixi Festival will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 25. The story behind the festival is of a weaver maid and a cowherd who fell in love and were separated. The couple was granted the ability to see each other for only one day a year. Young girls pray for sewing skills, love, and happiness during the festival. 

In Zambia, shops, restaurants, and street vendors like to celebrate with the classic red, white, and black decorations. Couples like to go on dinner dates and buy expensive items for each other, but if someone is single, it is common to have a get together of friends and family to show love and adoration to each other. 

Valentine’s Day in Australia is also known as Saint Valentine's Day. To show their love to each other, Australians have picnics, give chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or go to dinner. Saint Valentine’s Day is also a day where some couples get engaged. 

No matter how love is celebrated, all that matters is that it is still being celebrated globally. On Valentine’s Day, spread some love to your family, friends, and your significant other.