MUST-TRY IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY DOWN UNDER

Valentine’s Day seems to suddenly present itself right on the heels of the holiday season. Still not fully recovered from the Christmas shopping frenzy and New Year’s party planning, it’s time for another round of choosing gifts, restaurant reservations, flowers delivery, and travel arrangements. Social media can make you feel like everyone has it together – sipping champagne and waltzing their way to Michelin-starred cuisine on a path of rose petals. In reality, though, it can get rather stressful as you try to make the right choice for romantic Valentine’s Day gifts among the endless options – whether it’s a quirky gift for a girlfriend or the classic Valentine’s Day roses for your long-term partner.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT FOR HER – MISSION (IM)POSSIBLE

It’s a fine line between going overboard or not doing enough and one can easily get lost in the multitude of Valentine’s Day ideas for her especially if you’re in a new relationship or you’ve been together for years and it feels like by now you’ve got her everything you possibly could have. Who would have thought choosing the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day gift for her would be so hard?

Right gift Even thinking of the perfect way to truly show your partner how you feel is overwhelming. Not to mention everyone seems to have a different answer. Here, you can find everything you need to know, ranging from the classics all the way to the quirky and unique gift ideas, to ensure your Valentine’s Day down under is the best it can be.

WHAT DO AUSTRALIANS THINK ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS?

If we let numbers speak, it becomes obvious that Valentine’s Day can be a divisive issue for Australians, as the opinions on how or whether to celebrate at all the lovers’ holiday are varied.

Valentine's day to Earth, Eco friendly Valentine's day Valentine’s Day isn’t as common as we might think, with statistics in 2015 revealing that 46 percent of us didn’t actually have anything planned for Valentine's Day. On top of that, 53 percent of us don’t actually believe Valentine’s Day should be celebrated.

For those of us who do celebrate it, most of us kept it simple with 86 percent either going out for dinner, the movies or celebrated the day at home. In terms of age, it’s actually millennials who are more excited for the day with 53 percent engaging in some kind of Valentine’s Day date. Baby boomers fail to see the point, with 80 percent failing to see the importance of the day.

Despite the low turnout, Valentine’s Day does do a lot for our economy with Australians in 2017 spending more than $23 million dollars in 2017 on Valentine’s Day—a 15 percent increase of the spending in 2016. Considering the fact that roughly only half the population is celebrating, that’s quite significant.

HOW TO BUDGET ON THE BIG DAY

One of the reasons people don’t like celebrating Valentine’s Day are the rising costs of everything. Roses, for example, have been reported as costing $199.95 on Valentine’s Day. Add the cost of a meal at a fancy restaurant and a few drinks, before you know it, your wallet is looking pretty skimp by the end of the night. Below is a list of ways to keep the bank happy on Valentine’s Day

Bring your own
Check if your restaurant has BYO. You can save a lot of money by bringing your own bottle of wine.
Restaurant
Go to your favourite local restaurant instead of the fancy one. If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.
Beach
Consider something more intimate and romantic. For example, go for a walk by the beach with some fish and chips.
Photo album
Put together a photo album of your favourite times together. Nostalgia can be very affectionate.
Home dinner
Going to the movies or having a nice dinner at home can be just as romantic. You can even mix up your own special cocktails.
Valentines day cocktail

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR HER TO SHOW YOUR AFFECTION

Finding the right gift is difficult. The first rule is to focus on what you think is important to you and your partner. The classics, like roses and chocolate and teddy bears, are great but don’t think you’re just limited to that.

The Nostalgic

Movie

Focus on your history and origins with this one.

  • Tickets to a band that you both loved when you first started dating
  • Booking at the restaurant you ate at years ago.
  • Plan the night to revisit all the bars you used to go to. For extra points, dust off those old jeans you used to wear and dress like you used to!

The Broke and the Forgetful

Broke and forgetful

For this, just keep it simple.

  • An easy dinner, a bottle of wine and a movie.
  • Go for a picnic or a walk by the beach, the river or just out of town.
  • Tell them how much you love them. Being vulnerable is never a bad idea.

The Personal

Custom gift

Something custom is the best way to have a unique Valentine’s Day gift for her.

  • A necklace or earrings with their initials engraved.
  • A video scrapbook of every photo and video you have together.
  • A surprise! If your partner talks about wanting to do dancing with you, book dancing lessons for you two. If they like sports, buy them a yearly membership for their favourite footy team.

The Romantic

Romantic gift

Everyone wants to feel loved on this day of days. So, express that.

  • The classics, like a rose or a teddy bear. It might be cliché, but there’s a reason for that being the case.
  • Something that reflects permanence. Tickets for a holiday later that year or an Eternity Rose 24k Gold-Dipped Rose will last longer than your typical gift and show you’re committed to this relationship.
  • A poem. It’s simple, easy and cheap. But most of all, it comes from the heart. And that’s priceless.

Famous Valentine’s Day Quotes

Quote from Charles Schulz
Quote from Peter Andre
Quote from Maya Angelou
Quote from David Kirch
Quote from Amity Shlaes
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HOW TO HAVE A GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY

Making sure the day is a success doesn’t happen without concentrating. It requires skills and attention. Here’s a list of ideas to keep in mind to make sure your Valentine’s Day actually goes according to plan.

Expectations
Don’t create unrealistic expectations. Don’t talk if you can’t walk.

There’s nothing worse than building up the big day with your partner, only for it to end up being anticlimactic and disastrous. Making sure you plan everything that you want to do well in advance and actually have the means to do it is integral to having the best day.

Budget
Don’t blow your budget.

We can’t stress this enough. There’s no point having a luxury Valentine’s Day with your partner if it means you need to borrow money off them for rent a week later. If you’re struggling a bit financially, as all of us do from time to time, then don’t feel the need to go overboard. Cook a delicious feast or go for a moonlit stroll

Stay honest
Stay honest to who you are.

If you and your partner just want to go to the pub, then go to the pub. If you’re fancy, be fancy. Remember this day is about your relationship, not everyone else's relationship.

Focus on partner
Focus on your partner.

Remember, this day is for you and your partner. Don’t get lost in the expectations and pressure to show off, otherwise, you’re missing the whole point. Have fun and enjoy yourself!

CREATING THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY DATE

Every relationship is different, with some people celebrating their first ever Valentine’s Day together, while others are celebrating their 20th. As a result, our ideas and expectations of the perfect date are different and unique.

Here are some suggestions
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Keeping It Simple.


This is a great idea if it’s one of your first Valentine’s Day and you’re feeling a bit unsure. A good bottle of red wine, a nice meal followed by a walk during the sunset is a super easy and stress-free plan.

The V-Day Classics.

If something is a classic, there’s a reason for it. And Valentine’s Day is no exception. If you want to stick to the classics, choose traditional Valentine’s Day gifts for her – roses, champagne, chocolate and cards. Book a reservation for a beautiful restaurant and make plans to stay at a luxury hotel that night.

Staying on A Budget.

Just because some of us are introverted doesn’t mean we should miss out on Valentine’s Day. if your partner prefers to stay home, embrace comfort. Cooking at home together can make for a hilarious and special time, even if the food ends up burnt. For even more relaxed one-on-one time, just order a pizza, load up a couple of your favourite movies and sit back and relax in each other’s arms.

Stepping It Up A Notch.

Valentine’s Day can coincide with big events, like moving in together or getting engaged. So, it’s only natural that some people want to step it up. Keep to a couple of the classics, like dinner and roses, but go one step further. Tickets to a comedy show, a gig, or even the theatre are all examples of Valentine’s Day gift ideas with a more colourful twist, while just as romantic.

Going All the Way.

If you’re married, have kids, or just never get to have time with you and your partner—then you might want to consider going extreme. Chocolate, roses and some wine are a must. But to really boost it up, go away for the weekend or at least book tickets for a holiday. Somewhere like Port Douglas, Torquay and even Bali aren’t just the ultimate present or a beautiful expression of love, it’s a perfect excuse for a holiday.
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A TASTE OF THE LUSH LIFE – IDEAS FOR A CELEB-STYLE VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day is for everyone, including celebrities. But celebrities can do it pretty extravagantly.

Influencer and model Tash Oakley blew everyone away when for her Valentine’s Day, She and her boyfriend flew to Paris. In their beautiful hotel room were flowers, red balloons and, even more romantically, a framed picture of the two of them together in a romantic embrace.

Lush life

For some celebrities, work and play come together. For Sydney Swans superstar Buddy Franklin and his wife Jesinta Franklin née Campbell, hit two (love)birds with one stone, celebrating their love by revealing a collaboration with Dior.
But even celebrities can be simpler and poetic, like the rest of us. In 2016, Sam Worthington described his plans for Valentine’s Day as simply “passionate.” Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins was also just planning a simple getaway for the weekend with both herself and her husband. Even social media star Steph Claire Smith simply posted an incredibly romantic and lengthy post for her partner, while sharing a photo of them sharing a bottle of wine by a bonfire at the beach.

A SUSTAINABLE VALENTINE’S DAY

If you’re wishing to have a sustainable Valentine’s Day, you might want to reconsider the bouquet of roses from the neighbourhood florist. At the beginning of 2018, Australia imported 6.46 million roses from Kenya—20 percent than last year. A big problem with this is this is that Kenya’s a lot more relaxed with its use of non-ecofriendly chemicals, meaning the environmental impact isn’t too great. On top of that, importing flora like roses can mean some hidden nasties that put our environment at risk.

Here are some alternatives to ensure that your Valentine’s Day isn’t just red with passion, but green as well.

  • For flowers, find a local rose farmer or, why not choose some of our beautiful native flora like the Banksia.
  • Forget the cards from the store and go for something handmade. It’s sentimental and eco-friendly.
  • Go for a bike ride. It’s cute, intimate and now carbon emissions at all!
  • Consider a rose-like alternative, like the Eternity Rose Red Glazed Rose Earrings in 24 Karat Gold.
Sustainable

Valentine’s Day is often just limited to the day, but why not use a whole week to celebrate the week? It’s super romantic and makes Valentine’s Day that much more special.

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February 7th
Elegant, simple yet meaningful. The rose is a great starting present, and frankly, going to be a lot cheaper now than on Valentine’s Day.
February 8th
Anyone can buy anything, but actually making something—now that’s not only romantic but also a unique Valentine’s Day gift. Whether it be as elegant as a poem, as extravagant as jewellery or as simple as making a beautiful meal, something personal can go a long way.
February 9th
Chocolate is a cornerstone of Valentine’s Day, so why not use this day to be incredibly indulgent towards one another. Boxes, chocolate bars, hot chocolate—whatever it may be, appealing to the sweet tooth and the release of all those endorphins is, in our mind, an incredibly great idea.
February 10th
Ornaments are great because they last well after Valentine’s Day, unlike chocolate which will barely last 10 minutes. While we may think we’re too old for them, a teddy bear is a great example of a gift that can reflect our love.
February 11th
It’s always important to remember your commitment to each other and why you’re in a relationship in the first place. Life gets in the way of everything, and it’s easy to forget why you’re with someone. Use today as a reminder of what you promise each other, and where your love came from.
February 12th
Who doesn’t love a cheeky little pash? Use this day to be affectionate and open with each other. Kisses and hugs are an obvious way to show that. You can even make a game out of it—the person with the most surprise kisses and hugs by the end of the day wins.
February 13th
Cards don’t need to be an extension of Valentine’s Day gifts. They can be a whole day itself. Why not use this day to write down everything you love and hold dear about your partner? Leaving them in little, hidden places like under the pillow or at their work ensures not only a cute present but a sense of honesty and affection.
February 14th
Use this day for each other. A dinner, drinks, movies. Whatever activity that you feel defines your relationship. It can be big or small, but as long as you focus on each other, and what this day means for both of you, then it’s the best way to end the week.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine's Day, believe it or not, can make or break relationships. When done right, statistics show that couples can actually become strong. When done wrong, it can be disastrous. Data from Facebook shows us that a significant number of relationships end on Valentine’s Day. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, follow these steps.

What You Should Do.
  1. Focus the day on you as a couple. Don’t be someone you’re not and don’t only celebrate your relationship on this day.
  2. Be positive on this big day. It’s Valentine’s Day!
  3. Think of what they want. You may have principles against Valentine’s Day, but if your partner likes it, then you should swallow your pride and keep them feeling happy and loved.
What You Shouldn’t Do.
  1. Don’t over plan. If your relationship is on shaky foundations, then don’t build up the day in your head. Having too high expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment and conflict within your relationship.
  2. Don’t use this as the one day to show affection. Yes, you should be all cute and romantic, but if you just do it on this one day, it’ll seem fake and forced.
  3. Don’t compare yourself to others. Some people may be doing a lot for Valentine’s Day, while others won’t. It’s very healthy and normal but comparing your worth to others is never a good thing. Especially when it comes to relationships.
Five Ways to Show Your Love and Commitment title shadow corner left title shadow corner right
Couple at beach
Go to the beach and have a picnic. Unlike most countries, our Valentine’s Day is in Summer. Taking advantage of that and seeing the sunset with a bottle of wine is something incredibly romantic.
Long drive
Take the day off and go for a drive. If you live in the city or a town, go explore your surrounding area. The day is about your relationship, so just be alone with you and your partner.
Couple underwater
Try something new. Variety is the spice of life, and with relationships, having routine can be something negative. Why not use the day of love as an excuse to try something different?
Re-create date
Recreate your first date. It’s easy to forget the origin of a relationship, especially when you’ve been in one for a while. Plus, all the headaches of life make us forget. Recreate that magic you first felt by going to that bar or that park where you had your first date.
Couple watching movie
Be in the moment with each other. No matter what you do, it won’t matter unless you’re “there.” It doesn’t have to be stereotypical, it can simply be on the couch, watching a movie together. As long as you’re both there celebrating your love, then that’s all you need to do.
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A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY

For those with a flair for the dramatic, Valentine’s Day is the day of all days. Whether it be the first date, an engagement or an actual wedding, Valentine’s Day can seem like an appropriate choice. Yet, the idea is quite divisive, with some saying yes and some saying no.

The First Date

First date
Positive
  • Having your first date on Valentine’s Day is incredibly romantic, and it can show your date you’re looking for love, not a fling.
  • It can show courage, as many people would be terrified to have a first date on Valentine’s Day.
  • If things work out, having your anniversary on Valentine’s Day means you can have two-for-one, and save some money in the future.
Negative
  • It can scare off your date pretty quickly. It’s quite a lot to pour on someone you don’t really know.
  • Your date might think you’re a bit cheesy and unoriginal, which no one wants.
  • If things don’t work out, the day of love could be an awkward reminder. Especially when you’re celebrating it with someone new.

The Engagement

The Engagement
Positive
  • Proposing on the day of love is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift for her.
  • It makes for the ultimate story of romance and true love.
  • It shows you're committed. A lot is going on the line and doing it on the day of love is a super powerful sentiment.
Negative
  • The power of getting engaged may be lost in the day. Getting engaged is a big thing, and you don’t want it to be overshadowed. Remember to keep it simple.
  • It might be hard to find a place to do it. It’s Valentine’s Day remember. A lot is booked out.
  • Your partner may be expecting it. The best part of getting engaged is the surprise. The day of lovers is a pretty big clue.

The Wedding

Wedding
Positives
  • Your friends and family get to share not only your love but Valentine’s Day with you.
  • It makes for an amazing anniversary.
  • There really aren’t that many other days that suit an event about love than the actual day for love.
Negatives
  • Your friends and family might be unable to attend or think you’re stepping on their Valentine’s Day. Remember, it’s not just yous.
  • It’s going to be hard and expensive to find a venue. Hundreds of Australians get married on Valentine’s Day so that perfect spot might be booked out.
  • It can seem shallow. It may be more romantic on a personalised romantic day, as the anniversary of when you first met, rather than a day that’s for everyone.

THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY IN AUSTRALIA

History
Valentine’s Day has been celebrated here in Australia since the 19th century, thanks to British and American influences. Once upon a time, the event was a day to show of your wealth and be incredibly luxurious, especially for those gold miners. During the 19th-century gold rushes of Victoria and New South Wales, miners would spend thousands of pounds on their beloveds. Common presents included satin pillows perfumed and decorated with flowers, or taxidermized birds, like the hummingbird.
Nowadays, the way we celebrate isn’t too much different to those in the US and Britain, with Australian’s sending millions of cards to each other. One advantage, however, is that our Valentine’s Day is in Summer, which means we can nip off down to the beach or enjoy the Summer night.

HOW THE DAY CAME TO BE

Valentine’s Day is actually named after Saint Valentine, an Italian Christian man who became a martyr in 269 A.D. While according to the “Acta Sanctorum,” or “Lives of the Saints”—an encyclopedia of every saint since 1643—there are at least three Saint Valentines, the legend that created Valentine’s Day as we know started from one who was born in Terni during the third century.

Day came to be According to the legend, St Valentine was arrested by the Roman Emperor Claudius Gothicus for passing love letters between jailed lovers, and secretly celebrating Roman weddings. While Valentinus was in custody, he learned his jailer, a man named Asterio, had a blind daughter, named Julia. Valentine, overcome with humility and a desire to help, miraculously cured Julia’s blindness. Overcome with joy and awe from witnessing such an occurrence, Asterio converted to Christianity. When Emperor Claudius found out, he had all three beheaded on February 14th, 269

As to how Valentine’s Day was first celebrated, the theory is that it’s a change of name from an ancient debaucherous pagan festival called Lupercalia. Held in the middle of February, Lupercalia a carnival that involved men being paired up with women, slapping them with goat-hides to increase their fertility and running through the streets of Rome half-naked; all, apparently, in the name of love and fertility. In 496, Pope Gelasius intended to replace the event with something more Christian, opting to name it after the martyr Saint Valentine. Although some claim this might not be true, it does make a lot of sense.

WHEN LOVE CAME INTO THE EQUATION

Valentine’s Day became even more significant and powerful 1000 years later through literature in the form of the father of English literature—14th-century poet Geoffrey Chaucer.

In Chaucer’s poem “Parlemont of Foules”, a line exists that is one of the earliest references to Valentine’s day being a special time for lovers. In the poem, there’s a direct connection between bird’s mating in February, the time in England just before Spring, and humans celebrating love — For this was on seynt Volantynys day. Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

Love This whole association of February being the month of love spread quickly, with both men and women in England, France and all over Europe professing their love and adoration for each other. Given how close it was to Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to see how the link came to be. One famous example was in February 1415 when the Duke of Orleans, imprisoned in London tower, sent a love letter to his wife, confessing his lovesickness and referring to her as his Valentine. His letter is actually the oldest love letter still in existence. The influence even went as far as the most famous writer in human history, Shakespeare, referencing the idea of a “Valentine” through a line in Hamlet where Ophelia references herself as his Valentine.

By the 18th century, Valentine’s Day had become an incredibly important tradition for everyone. All over Europe and the US, lovers would give each other flowers and cards to commemorate their love for each other. And when access to printing became widely available, this only increased the popularity of it. This tradition of giving gifts continued onwards into the 19th and 20th century, culminating in what we see today.

THE MEANING BEHIND VALENTINE’S DAY SYMBOLS

Valentine’s Day is known for its symbology. Cupid flying overhead, shooting arrows at everyone. Lovebirds singing, while couples hold hands. Even chocolate has a strong history associated with Valentine’s Day. But these aren’t just by coincidence. Each symbol actually has a long and fruitful history with not only Valentine’s Day but love itself.

Valentine’s Day Symbols title shadow corner left title shadow corner right
Cupid
Psyche and Cupid
Lovebirds
Roses
Love hearts
Chocolate
Cupid
Cupid is actually a God in Roman mythology. As the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, Cupid was the god of love, desire and affection—his arrows not causing injury but instead love and uncontrollable desire and love for the first thing they saw.
Blurb. The legend of Psyche and Cupid
As the story goes, there was a beautiful princess of an unnamed king named Psyche. This princess was beloved and worshipped by the common folk as the second-coming of Venus. Venus, however, was infuriated by this new queen bee decided to exact vengeance, sending her son Cupid to do her dirty work. Her plan was for Cupid to make her Psyche fall in love with a hideous creature. Unfortunately, Cupid scratched himself with his own arrow as he about to fire, and after seeing her face, immediately fell in love with the princess.
Lovebirds and Doves
Lovebirds and doves, much like Cupid, are also associated with Roman mythology, being connected with Venus, and therefore love and beauty. Lovebirds and doves also represent monogamy, being two of the few animals that mate with one partner for life, therefore perfectly representing love.
Roses
Roses traditionally were associated with Venus but giving someone a rose became meaningful in the 19th century. Floriography is the practice of telling someone a message or indicating how you feel through flowers. Roses, however, were exclusive to very powerful sentiments. For example, a black rose represented a farewell or mourning. A yellow rose was to symbolise friendship. But the famous red rose, the one we see so associated with Valentine’s Day, represented romance and passion. To give this one to someone was an expression of your undying love.
Love hearts.
The love heart has existed throughout history. Roman physician Galen for theorized that the heart was the seat of everything emotional, while the liver was the seat of passion and the brain, the seat of season.
The connection with love was established in the 13th century, namely through a painting. In 1255, the poem Le Roman De La Poire, written by Thibaut, had a drawing with it. The drawing shows a man on his knees, giving what is believed to be his heart to his beloved, the same way the poem describes giving away a pear. By the 15th century, the shape of the love heart had been establishing, presenting itself in the French tapestry Le Don Du Coeur, or the gift of the heart, where a man is giving away his heart.
Chocolate
Chocolate became associated when in the 19th century, Richard Cadbury, a member of the Cadbury family, decided to take full advantage of the day for his business. With the recently-created eating chocolates, Richard decided to place his chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, covered in cupids and rosebuds in 1861. This commercialisation boomed, with Hershey’s introducing their “kisses” in 1907. And now, chocolate is just as romantic as Cupid or the very love heart itself.
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The Curious History of Valentine’s Day Cards.

We all know about Valentine’s Day cards, and how popular they are. But how did they come to be something so important? Well, as it turns out, the Valentine’s Day card has a lot to do with the work of a woman named Esther Howland.
Esther Howland, fittingly named the mother of the modern Valentine’s card, was born in 1828. Her father ran a stationery shop, while her mother, who raised Esther with feminist values, wrote the famous New England Economical Housekeeper in 1845.
By the mid-1840s, Esther had graduated university, being one of the first ever women to do so. But interestingly, Esther caught on to how popular Valentine’s Day was and decided to capitalise on this. In turn, Esther made the decision to create her own hand-made cards, because as you see, all in the US were actually imported from Europe and quite expensive. By making them locally, Esther could make this product more accessible.

Employing a small team of women, Howland created cards with lace, intricate layers, romantic symbols and messages. Every card was printed with a symbolic “H” somewhere subtly located. Her first year was an enormous success, receiving 5000 orders while only expecting 200. This trend continued onwards until Valentine’s Day cards were used by everyone. An influence on the holiday we still see to this day.

HOW OTHER COUNTRIES CELEBRATE THE DAY OF LOVE

Valentine’s Day, despite these universal themes, isn’t always treated the same. All across the world, there are unique and culturally significant events.

Argentina
Argentina

For example, in Argentina, they don’t just celebrate one day but, dedicate another whole week to love. From the 13th of July through to the 20th, couples celebrate with gifts, sweets and romance, ultimately finishing the week with what is called “friendship day.”

Ghana
Ghana

All the way in Ghana, they don’t, in fact, celebrate or call it Valentine’s Day, but rather “Chocolate Day.” The holiday, although named very differently, works much like Valentine’s Day, in the sense that it celebrates romance, alongside friendship and, of course, eating chocolate.

Italy
Italy

In romantic Italy, the typical rose and assorted chocolates may be ignored for the “Baci”—a local Italian treat of hazelnut coated in chocolate. Festivities do still occur though, with the day of love celebrated with a Spring festival. And as tradition dictates, the first man a girl sees on the day will become her husband within the next 12 months.

India
India

And in India, Pakistan and Iran, the day doesn’t so much bring love, but protests as it’s typically seen as an invasion of Western culture. Saudi Arabia however, a country who traditionally protested the holiday, began to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2018.

Enjoy

REMEMBER TO ENJOY YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day is hard, and unless you know its importance and rich history, it’s easy to ignore. Although as we can see, Valentine’s Day has been as much of a part of human history and culture as any other holiday. And as a result, we should take it very seriously.

While it may be confronting and anxiety-inducing to consider what to do for Valentine’s Day, the trick here is to just be yourself. Embrace who you are, and who your partner is. Focus on the holiday’s meaning—love and affection. Whatever way you do it, whether it be driving out of the city for a camping trip, spending $500 at a restaurant or just giving a bouquet of roses, then it’ll be fine. As long as it comes from the heart.