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On February 14th, the world comes together to celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Many countries decorate and stock stores with gifts and chocolates. There are many festivities throughout the world on St. Valentine's Day, but many countries do not celebrate the day. Many people believe the day should be banned. Let's take a look around the world at how different cultures celebrate St. Valentine's Day.

ASIA

In China, on February 14, officials can confiscate flowers according to BBC reporting. The holiday is popular amongst most of the population. China also celebrates Valentine's Day on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. On this day, lovers go to the Matchmaker Temple to ask for prosperity in love.

In Korea and Japan, girls and women give candies and chocolates to their boyfriends. In Korea and Japan on March 14, "White Day" is celebrated where boys and men give gifts to their girlfriends. The Japanese bake the chocolates at home for their true loves. The store bought chocolates are for co-workers or friends.

SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa, Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. In some places, the girls pin the name of the boy they love on their sleeve. These traditions follow the old festival of "Lupercalia," the Roman festival celebrated on February 15.

*Historical Notes: Lupercalia was celebrated by the Romans on February 15. The festival took place on Palatine Hill, in a cave called Lupercal. This is the supposed place where Romulus and Remus (founders of Rome) were nursed by a wolf.

SOUTH AMERICA

In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados, or "Day of the Enamored" is celebrated on June 12. This is the day before Saint Anthony's Day. He was a marriage saint.

In Colombia and Venezuela, the "Love and Friendship Day" is celebrated on the third Friday and Saturday in September.

THE WORLD

These countries celebrate St. Valentine's Day similar to the United States:

Australian Countries
Bangladesh
Canadian Countries
European Countries
Mexico
Russia
Thailand
T urkey
United Arab Emirates

According to the Greeting Card Association, St. Valentine's Day is the second largest card sending holiday of the year. Christmas, of course, comes in first. Even though celebrations vary in different countries across the globe, love is in the air on St. Valentine's Day. Spend the day celebrating with your loved ones and feel the love!

Learn more about this author, Wendy Brock.
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