A Rose By Any Other Name: Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around The World
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” a familiar quote that comes from Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare is seen as some to be the ultimate gesture of romance, but do you know where the origin of some of our Valentine’s Day practices originate? From chocolates as gifts to stalks of roses, we explore some of these age-old traditions.
The Gifting Of The Rose: England
If you had to take a guess where the practice of giving roses for Valentine’s Day comes from, some would have very correctly guesses it was from the English. Famous not for only common phrases where a beautiful girl is referred to as an English Rose, or known for War of the Roses, it was the Victorian Era that created the custom of giving roses for Valentine’s Day.
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” — William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Will you Be My Valentine’s: France
Another common gift for Valentine’s Day is none other than the Valentine’s card, and as one of the most poetic and romantic cultures in the world, of course it came from the French. It was rumoured that this tradition was started when Charles the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. A little dark, but romance is always a litte bittersweet in its essence. And that takes us to…
Love Notes and Chocolates: Italy
Romantic dinners are part of Italian celebrations for Valentine’s Day, and this tradition runs deep within the romantic blood of the Italians. It is common to have a candle-lit dinner at a beautiful romantic restaurant with the gift of a box of chocolates. In Italy, it is common to give Baci Perugina, a dark chocolate praline with hazelnuts.
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” — Charles M. Schulz
Orange You Glad: Chinese
The Chinese are have a few celebrations for lovers, but the ones that is closest the the traditional western celebration is the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Chap Goh Meh celebration, originating from the Hokkien tradition. On the 15th day, it is common for girls to write their names on a red paper tied to oranges and throw them over trees to be hung. These days, it’s a little more modern, with their phone number also inscribed, ensuring that they are contactable. Sometime you just got to move the times.
All The Single Ladies: Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s Day is a concept created by the tv show Parks & Recreations, in which single ladies celebrate together on the 13th of February, where girlfriends get together to celebrate their gal-pals. Although initially just a made up episode on the tv show, the day has taken a life of its own where women gather together and celebrate over drinks. All we can say is more power to female friendships.
Valentine’s Day at The Marinis Group
Marini’s on 57 is the perfect place for couples to celebrate your love with a romantic dinner with their curated valentine’s day set, and don’t miss out on the Amore Valentine’s Day Party at Marini’s on 57, come in purple if you’re single, red if you’re taken and yellow if you’re confused. Stand a chance to win a bottle of champagne and mystery gifts, so come to find out. If you’re in PJ, then head over to Marimbar for the Sassy Ladies Valentine’s Eve Party on the 13th February, a masquerade ball, and the Cupid’s Attack Valentine’s Day on the 14th for the singles who are ready to mingle. So come on by for night of fun, frisk and a fantastic time.