Will you be my Valentine? From hearts to hogs, Valentine's Day around the world

Ah… being in love, there’s nothing quite like it, so it’s no surprise that countries from all over the world have a special day dedicated to celebrating ‘that special someone’… Valentine’s Day.

So, wouldn’t you like to know a little more about the different Valentine’s Day traditions, past and present from countries near and far?
Whilst some are what you might expect – traditional chocolate hearts and bright cards scrawled with adoring messages – there are others that are a little unorthodox!
So, if you’re looking for a truly unique way to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day, we might just be able to help!

Germany

Let’s start with one that’s a little out of the ordinary, shall we?
Although the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Germany is not as commercial as it is in places such as the UK and America, it’s a popular tradition with the locals there.
And, whilst lovers will exchange gifts of chocolates, flowers, and gingerbread cookies displaying romantic messages, they also like to exchange… pigs!
Yes, that’s right, pigs! Pictures of pigs, chocolate pigs, statues of pigs… even a real pig for those who want to really go for it!
In the country, the pig symbolises lust and luck.
It’s also pink, and so we can see why this little animal could be synonymous with the festival of love.

Italy

Going back to a more traditional way of celebrating one’s love for another, in Italy, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by way of a classic spring festival.
Couples shower each other with romantic poems, enjoy sweet ballads and scrumptious meals together, and often exchange boxes of ‘baci perugina’ – chocolate hazelnut ‘kisses’.
However, Italy also has a strange legacy surrounding its Valentine’s traditions, which states that the first man a girls sees when she wakes on February the 14th, she will marry within the next year…
To all those singles out there, keep an eye out this Wednesday morning!

South Africa

If you’re a hopeless romantic who likes to wear their heart on their sleeve, then the South African Valentine’s tradition might just be the one for you.
As well as the traditional celebrations, women in South Africa can often be seen to, quite literally, wear their hearts on their sleeves, by pinning the names of their significant others (or crushes!) to the sleeves of their tops.
A perfect way to let that special someone know you’re interested, perhaps?

China

In China, they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day exactly, but they do celebrate Qixi.
During Qixi, young women gather, prepare and offer fruits to Zhinu, in the hope that the goddess will send them a good husband.
Qixi falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year and pays homage to an old Chinese legend.
It is said that Zhinu, a heavenly king’s daughter, and Niulang, a poor cow herder, fell in love (against Zhinu’s father’s wishes), married and had twins.
Once her father learned of their marriage, he sent for her to be brought back to the heavens.
However, upon hearing the cries of Niulang and her children, the king allowed Zhinu to meet Niulang back on Earth, once a year, hence the start of Qixi.

Denmark

And finally, we have Denmark, located in Scandinavia which adds its own little Danish twist to this celebration of love.
Whilst friends and lovers in the country do exchange flowers, it’s not the traditional red rose, as the Danes instead swap pressed snowdrops to show their love.
It’s also common for men to give their secret admirers a ‘gaekkebrev’, which is a form of funny love poem presented on intricately cut paper.
For even more fun, the poems are signed off as anonymous and the receiver then has three guesses to work out who their poem is from.
If guessed correctly, the receiver will also be given an Easter egg by their admirer, later in the year.
If not, they must be the ones to buy the admirer an Easter egg – a great way to keep the gift-giving going, and get even more chocolate!
If this blog has given you some inspiration for a unique gift, or maybe even a unique trip, visit our website and discover a world of romance!

Romantic trips to take in Europe

Spanish Steps Rome

By Danny Leeming (our very own Leger love bird)!

After proposing to my wife (and colleague) Caroline on the Spanish Steps of Rome, I’ve earned myself a reputation as a bit of a romantic here in the Leger offices. So, when it came to writing a post on the best places to visit this Valentine’s Day, I wasn’t too surprised when I was asked to come forward with my suggestions.

 
Over the years, Caroline and I have been lucky enough to visit some of Europe’s most stunning settings. However, when it comes to picking out the most romantic breaks to take, we do have some stand-out favourites to share….
 
Rome: Obviously, as this was the place I proposed, Rome will always hold a special place in our hearts. I remember sight-seeing in the city that day, the ring secretly hidden on my person. I had a slight panic when I had to empty my pockets after setting off a Vatican metal detector, but then later that day I surprised her on the Spanish Steps by dropping to one knee. Thankfully, she accepted! Fond memories aside, Rome has everything you could wish for when it comes to a romantic break. Be sure to take a bike ride around the Colosseum (very Peck and Hepburn) or pop two pennies (for love) into the Trevi Fountain whilst you’re there.
Paris: Although we’ve not been to Paris together, Mrs Leeming and I have both been to the city independently and agree that this just had to be in the top three. Surrounded by buildings like the Notre Dame cathedral, the local cuisine and the French accent, you can’t help but get that fuzzy feeling. They don’t call it the ‘city of lovers’ for nothing! A scenic cruise down the River Seine should definitely be on your list of things to do here too. We were actually hoping to go to Paris this year but, having just found out that we’re expecting our first baby, we’ve had to put those plans on hold for now.
Madrid: It’s not as closely associated with romance as say Paris or Rome but Madrid is a fantastic place to go as a couple. The architecture is stunning, the warm summer evenings are full of atmosphere and the local people are so passionate about their culture, you can’t help but get caught up in it. Caroline and I both share a love of football so would love to see Real Madrid play here. Understandably, that’s not for everyone but there is so much more to do than just watch the footy should you take the trip.
 
Well there you have it, our top three romantic trips to take. And, after the baby arrives, I’m sure we’ll begin crossing more heart-warming cities off our wish list too. With Prague, Bruges, Florence and Venice still to visit, we’ve certainly got our work cut out but I’ll be sure to report back to you on our findings soon.
I hope that’s enough inspiration to get you thinking but don’t forget to check out our website if you’re still undecided about your Valentine’s break. Don’t forget to consider coaching as your method of transport too. With no directions to argue about and a glass of wine to enjoy as you take in the scenery, coach travel really can be a couple’s paradise – trust me!
 

Me and Caroline