There are many holidays around the world that celebrate love! We can love our friends and families.
Valentine's Day is a well-known day. It is also called Saint Valentine's Day. Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love. We can find traces of this day in many countries. It is on February 14th every year. People will give each other cards, flowers, and chocolates to show their love. Roses are a popular flower during this time. Students will give their classmates and teachers cards too. You will see a lot of pink and red. You will see a lot of hearts everywhere.
Qixi is a festival that has been around since the Han dynasty. That's over 2000 years ago! It follows the Lunar calendar. It is on the seventh day of the seventh month. There is a tragic legend behind this day. Two star-crossed lovers were forced apart.
It is said that a boy and a girl became two stars. They are always separated by the Milky Way. They can never see each other, except for one special day. That is when all the magpies on Earth fly up to make a bridge for them. On this day, masses of people make offerings of flowers, fruit, or tea in hopes to find love.
Many people in Latin America celebrate Amigo Secreto. This means 'secret friend.' Everyone writes their names down on a piece of paper. Then each person randomly draws a name. You cannot tell others who you chose. Keeping it a secret is part of the fun. Next, you will anonymously give your friend a gift. Try not to get caught!
In Bulgaria, St Trifon Zarezan Day is celebrated. It is also on February 14th. The day symbolizes that winter will end soon. This day is the namesake of St Trifon Zarezan. He is thought to be the guardian of grapevines. Couples will celebrate their love for each other. A feast with bread and a hen is usually prepared for this special day.
For people in South Korea, an annual love day is not enough. There is a day for love on the 14th of every month. January 14th is Diary Day. People would give others diaries. It is also known as candle day. People would give each other intricately decorated candles. December 14th is Hug Day. People hug those they love on this day.
Tanabata is a summer festival in Japan to celebrate love. On this day, many people write their wishes on small pieces of paper. Sometimes, they write poems. They hang these wishes on bamboo and decorate them. At midnight, many people set these wishes afloat on a river or light them on fire. On Tanabata, people also sing a special song.
We don't need a holiday to tell us to love one another. We do not need grand gestures to express love. Our love can be shown in subtle ways. The most heartwarming moments come from our hearts. We can console our loved ones when they are sad. We can comfort them during heartbreaking times. We can give them a big hug and a smile.