In deciding what I wanted to talk about for Valentine’s day, I got to thinking about the differences in how the world celebrates holidays. There are far too many different ways to celebrate Valentine’s day to list, but I did find some that really stood out.

In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14. On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of Feb or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and "mourn" their single life.

Can you imagine! Do the mourners eat alone? ROFL!!  That brings dining out alone to a new level. How about the fact the men give women NONCHOCOLATE gifts? Who do they think they are keeping the good stuff to themselves?

But don’t despair.  If you are among the mourners, there are other chances for romance redemption.

The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea, although most of them are obscure. From January to December: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.

Has anyone let Hallmark in on this exploding market?

In Chinese culture, there is an older observance related to lovers, called "The Night of Sevens" (Chinese: 七夕; pinyin: Qi Xi). According to the legend, the Cowherd star and the Weaver Maid star are normally separated by the milky way (river) but are allowed to meet by crossing it on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese calendar.

Talk about star crossed lovers!

In Scotland Valentine’s Day is celebrated by having a festival. At the festival there is an equal amount of young unmarried (single) men and young unmarried (single) ladies who get together, each of them writes on a piece of paper their name or a made up name, this is then rolled up. The names are placed in two hats one for the men one for the ladies they then have to draw a piece of paper out of the hat. Both may end up with two valentines but the young man is suppose to stick with the valentine who has chosen him.

This having been done the company has been split up into so many couples, gifts are given to the young ladies and the young ladies would wear the name of their valentine over their heart or on their sleeve. There might also be a dance and at the end of the festival there might even be a lot of marriages or romances.

Sounds a little like Vegas!

Euphoria of Valentine's Day festival in India can be experienced weeks before the festival. Television, radio and print media start creating hype about the festival by covering all facets of it. Gift marketers and card companies launch a rigorous campaign to lure the youngsters. Card and gift shops are interestingly decorated with symbols of Valentine's Day including roses, cupid and heart shaped balloons. Shopping malls in metropolitan cities organize fun-filled competitions and distribute discount coupons to lure the consumers.

On February 14, the Valentine's Day restaurants, discos, Cineplex, pubs and pizza parlors see a particularly busy time as couples celebrate the day in togetherness. Many boys and girls even propose to their sweetheart on this romantic day. People also express love to their friends, teachers, siblings and parents. Popular Valentine's Day gifts exchanged in India include chocolates, fresh flowers, cards, soft toys and candies. These are also clubbed with several other gifts to pamper sweethearts.

Ahh, sounds like home.

Valentine’s day, the day of love, passion, even frienship. My first valentine. I was nine, and certain the boy was trying to make fun of me. In retrospect, I realize he was nine, and just didn’t know what to do with a girl he liked. ROFL. Poor thing. I didn’t help at all. I let him know I was onto his tricky way. Ahh, the joys of love.

Tell me about your valentine’s day-your first valentine, most memorable, funniest, happiest, whatever you want to talk about. Anything can happen on Valentine’s day.

Everyone who posts will be in a random drawing for a $5 gift certificate from The Wild Rose Press. My contest ends, midnight, February 26, 2009.

Good luck, and a romantic rest-of-the-love-month to everyone!

Tarah