Herald - Issue 418

27th January 2022 • The HERALD • Page 33 v F @ heraldpublishing v We are so strong when we are together Yet so weak when we are apart, You are the reason why I’m living For you are the beats within my heart. For as long as we’re together Throughout the coming years, We will overcome all our worries Our troubles and our fears. In the darkness you are my light You are the sunlight of the day, The road ahead is straight and clear With you to show the way. I only have to see the sparkle in your eyes To make my worries disappear, For the whole world becomes a better place By you, just being near. In the bitter cold days of the winter You are there to keep us calm, To hold each other in our arms And keep us safe from harm. SO STRONG TOGETHER by Vic Lee Dedicated to his Valentine - his darling Wife Sally Exchanging cards and gi s – o en owers or chocolates – as well as enjoying a romantic date with your loved one, is customary on Valentine’s Day here in the UK. But around the world, 14th February is marked in di erent and more unusual ways. If you are keen to do something new to celebrate the occasion this year, here are some traditions from across the globe that may spark some inspiration: Japan Valentine’s Day is celebrated on two di erent dates in Japan, with females presenting gi s to their loved ones on 14th February, and men later returning the favour on the White Day, which is celebrated a month later on 14th March. Women typically give the gi of one of two types of chocolate. One is called giri-choco, which is bought for friends, bosses, colleagues, or close male friends, while boyfriends and husbands are given hon-mei, which is usually prepared by the women themselves. Slovenia 14th February is associated with agriculture in Slovenia, and is considered the beginning of spring. It is o en the day when workers head back to the elds, with many proposals occurring there. Germany e colour red will o en be seen all across the country as a symbol of love and passion on Valentine’s Day, with bouquets of roses usually being an essential part of celebrations. Children also o en present heart- shaped gi s with messages of love to their parents, teachers and classmates, and baskets of chocolates and sweets are also traditionally given. Argentina Not content with celebrating love for just one day, Argentinians devote an entire week to the festival of love in July, known as ‘sweetness week’. Held between 13th and 20th July, lovers exchange kisses for sweets, with the week of celebrations coming to a close with a friendship day as well. South Korea South Koreans can’t get enough of the romance and celebrate the day of love on the 14th day every month of the year. Meanwhile, those who are single celebrate ‘the black day’ in April, by eating black noodles. France One traditional Valentine’s event in France was the loterie d’amour, in which hopeful singles would line up in houses facing each other and take turns calling through the windows until they were paired up. e women le on their own then gathered a erwards for a bon re ceremoniously burning images of the men who rejected them. South Africa While many will celebrate the day with chocolates, owers and romantic dinners, others opt for a more direct approach with some women pinning the name of their love on their sleeve for the day. How is Valentines Celebrated Around the World?