Traditionally in Japan, it's the ladies who let the chocolates do the talking on February 14th and not just for their lovers! There is a serious chocolate hierarchy in Japan and it's certainly less sweeter than say, Lindt vs Thorntons.... From the 'obligatory' chocolate given to fathers, brothers, cousins and perhaps bosses to the 'ultra obligatory' chocolate who might go to the less popular male at work(!) With 'special' chocolates for female friends and of course the 'true chocolates' for the boyfriends, partners etc. Never fear ladies; gents will return the pleasure a month later. Just don't be surprised to find some of those 'lesser' chocolates from your unpopular male work colleague sitting at your desk.
It's the women in Japan who ping Cupid's arrow on February 14th South Korea: Similarly to Japan, women of South Korea treat their beloved on Feb 14th showering them with chocolates and gifts with the guys returning the token a month later to the date on 'White Day'. It doesn't stop there however; to celebrate single life -singletons in South Korea meet up on the 14th April for 'Black Day'. It's not as morbid as it sounds but rather an informal gathering to put the world to rights or simply celebrate single-dom. The traditional dish is a combination of black beans with white noodles to tie in with the 'black' and 'white' celebration days. South Korea also celebrate a day of 'love'on the 14th of nearly every month too. How wonderful!
Denmark and Norway: Danish and Norwegians seem to do everything that little bit well...more delightfully shall we say? Their 'Valentinsdag' is made up of much cuteness where the male typically writes an anonymous poem with a clue to his name. If the female correctly guesses who wrote her a love note, she is owed an egg at Easter, if she doesn't guess then she owes him an egg for collection at Easter.
France: Passion is in the blood of the French as we're all aware, but their traditional Valentine's Day celebration became so riotous that it was banned by their Government. After a face to face rejection at a 'courting game' played with neighbours, women would hurl photographs and objects belonging to the men who rejected them in a street ceremony! A key to one's heart perhaps?
Wales: On Welsh Valentine's Day, the traditional gift is a love spoon. Those of you who saw Gemma's 16 things blog post will recall this as a popular courting gift and symbols carved into the spoons translate in different ways; the keys to one's heart or more boldly how many children he would like! Our beautiful Personalised Heart Key necklaces may not have been designed with a number of children in mind but it's a lovely way of offering a key to one's heart. A Personalised Silver Spoon - Our little take on the Welsh traditional spoon gift We think you can't go wrong with one of our handmade and personalised Valentine's Day gifts.
