Valentines Day is most commonly known as the day in which many love and romance gifts are given. Whether you are married, newly in love or you are secretly admiring someone from a distance, Valentines Day is the day when you get the opportunity to let your true feelings show.

According to Wikipedia, “Saint Valentine’s Day, commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD”. Love and romance gifts have come a long way since 496 AD and a hand-made card is a rare thing to find as Hallmark cards are probably the most commonly given valentines gifts.

Here is some interesting information regarding other countries and how they celebrate Valentines Day – “In Finland Valentine’s Day is called Friend’s day…this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones and in Guatemala it is known as Affection Day. In South Korea, similar to Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14 (White Day). On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of Feb or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles (자장면 jajangmyeon) and “mourn” their single life”. It seems like quite a lot of pressure is put on the receiving of love and romance gifts – black noodles sound like the perfect thing to eat when alone…

In China, it is the man that gives chocolate, flowers or both to the woman that he loves. “It commemorates a day on which a legendary cow herder and weaving maid are allowed to be together”. There seems to be a lot of romantic symbolism behind the giving of love and romantic gifts no matter where you are in the world.

In Taiwan, men give gifts to women on Valentine’s Day and women return them on White Day – I hope nothing very special is given; I wouldn’t want to return a set of diamond earrings. In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is called “Araw ng mga Puso” or “Hearts Day”. And according to Wikipedia “it is usually marked by a steep increase in the prices of flowers” – aahhh…what is love without you having to break the bank?

In many Western cultures, Valentines Day has become quite an elaborate gift giving day and to find these gifts you can go to Celestial Gift Experiences and find love and romantic gifts for that special person in your life. They offer private boudoir photo shoots, private fine dining experiences for two, Safari dinners and drumming for two, Johannesburg sunset flights, a harmonising couples retreat, play with chocolate experiences, theatre with dinner, night spa with dinner and massage lessons for two.

So, wherever you are in the world, no matter how you do it, just remember to say “I love you”.

Written and prepared for by Klara Loots