Unit 57
Love Around the World
Despite the fictitious characters, the film Casablanca perfectly illustrates what only die-hard romantics will admit in public: Love transforms our lives and joins it with others. It's a feeling so strong that it can affect us irrevocably. With a touch of humor, physicist Albert Einstein declared that "gravity is not responsible for the attraction between man and woman." But it was Mahatma Gandhi who expressed it best of all. "Where there is love," he said, "there is life." As unique as each other's experience, each country has its own traditional ways of expressing love.
China
Before the discovery of Valentine's Day, which is seen as a Western import, the Chinese already had two days set aside for expressing love. The first is Qi Qiao Jie, which is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month on the Chinese calendar. It's the story of two lovers who could meet only once a year on a bridge formed by magpies. Others consider Deng Jie to be the true Chinese day of love. An ancient festival celebrated on the 16th day of the first month, it is one of rare occasions when maidens leave their homes. For those who are "of the age of consent", it is an opportunity not to be missed. Today, few celebrate Den Jie. Young Chinese have chosen Feb. 14 as their day of love and they celebrate in the Western fashion.
United States
In America Valentine's day is marked with cards, sweets, roses and romantic dinners. Three out of for Americans celebrate the day in one form or another. This outpouring of affection is not limited to lovers. In effect, it is a day to celebrate affection for friends and family members, to show those close to us how important they are to us.
Mexico
A number of Mexico traditions survive with remarkable tenacity. The custom of serenading your loved one is rooted in the sweet and harmonious side of Mexican culture. At night, the suitor visits his beloved's home with a group of musicians. They sing love songs until she comes out to receive her suitor. If she fails to appear, she has rejected his suit.
Britain
The custom of expressing affection through gifts on Feb. 14 has reached unheard-of levels of commercialism in Britain. In 2001, the British bought 6 million roses and 22 million cards for Valentine's Day. The figure is astounding, if you consider that Britain's population is approximately 60 million. For British lovers who "want to eat" their partner, the London-based sculptor Arriguchi offers a special Valentine's service: a sculpture of your lover in chocolate. The price: $236. |