Facts about "Valentine's Day" from different regions of the world

Some facts related to the so-called Valentine's Day from different regions of the world that is celebrated today February 14 each year, reviewed by author Robert Kener in a report published by the American "Reader's Digest" magazine, get to know it:

Mysterious origins
Although the Valentine's Day was associated with the name of a Christian saint, there is nothing religious about this day dedicated to "love" and lovers.

There are signs linking this day to courting in the Middle Ages. However, only by the 18th century did the British begin sending greeting cards to each other.

Then the Americans adopted and developed this habit, and made February 14 a day to buy chocolate, cards and flowers and exchange "love". Young people in many countries of the world celebrate this holiday in different ways.

Many do not celebrate
Many people do not celebrate and hate this day, including those who are unconnected or divorced or those who suffer from depression, while others refuse to celebrate it because of the exaggerated shopping fever associated with this day.

Moreover, this occasion in a number of Arab countries came under harsh criticism for not being linked to Arab and Islamic culture.

In 2008, Saudi Arabia banned the sale of red roses and other items related to the "Valentine's Day". In 2011, Malaysian authorities arrested more than 100 Muslim spouses for celebrating "Love", while Iran banned the printing of materials related to this holiday.

in France
Paris may be one of the most romantic cities in the world, but the French cities of Saint Valentine and Rochemaire are vying to win this title.

Every year, on the weekend before February 14th, Saint Valentine gives lovers the opportunity to marry in a garden covered with flowers and letters of love hung on a tree tree, and the town of Roquemauer celebrates this day by wearing 19th-century costumes and listening to music.

Japanese style
Because of a supposed mistake in sweets ads early on "Valentine's Day" in Japan, women thought they were supposed to be offering sweets to men, not the other way around.

Dessert manufacturers call this March 14th, "Response Day, White Day," and urge men to offer chocolate to their partners in response to Gemayel.

This habit lasted for many years. Japanese chocolate companies achieve 50% of their annual sales during this holiday.

In Thailand
Lovers flock to "Love Village" in Bangkok's Bang Rak district to celebrate "Love" as they believe this town will guarantee them a long-term marriage. Therefore, in the early morning hours, people queue outside the village to visit.

Romeo and Juliet
Italian Verona receives about a thousand letters addressed to Juliet on Valentine's Day annually, because this city is the birthplace of the famous duo Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

in the United States
A study published in 2015 indicates that 53% of women in the United States confirmed their willingness to separate from their partners if they did not receive a gift on Valentine's Day.

Another American study revealed that 3% of men considered ending their emotional relationship instead of choosing a "good" gift.

In return, Americans spend more than half a billion dollars on gifts on this occasion to give to their pets.

Threats to India
In 2009, members of the militant Hindu sect "Sri Ram Sina" attacked women celebrating in Mangalore, and the leader of this group, Pramod Muthlik, announced that he would deal harshly with those celebrating "Love". Against this background, a number of young women decided to address them.