Chocolate Traditions on Valentine’s Day
February 12, 2022
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and people already stocking up on their chocolates, do you ever wonder what chocolate traditions exist in different parts of the world?
According to a recent survey, 67% of Americans enjoy chocolates on Valentine’s Day. This makes me think that February 14 is not just for romantic relationships, but also a day for us chocolate lovers to enjoy! Want to know more? Hold on to your sweet cravings as you read more about the yummy traditions around the world...
True Feelings Chocolates
Do you always see men giving chocolates to their partners during Valentine’s Day?
Well, the Japanese do this the other way! It has been their tradition for women to present chocolates and flowers to men on February 14. In Japan, whether you are a husband, a boyfriend, or a potential love interest, you can expect to receive high-end honmei choco, which translates to “true feelings” chocolates. Honmei represents romantic interest and love confession or kokuhaku. They also have giri choco, which translates to “obligation” chocolates, to be given to their male friends and co-workers in an expression of gratitude and friendship.
Now if you’re thinking that Japanese men are so lucky, think again! Exactly a month after Valentine’s Day, men are supposed to return the favor to their partners by buying a present that is two or three times more than the worth of what their lady spent on the chocolates. Wow! I wish my husband sees this and takes notes. 😊
Valentine's Day traditions in Italy also involve chocolates. Here, lovers exchange Baci Perugina, a small, chocolate-covered hazelnut, with wrappers full of romantic quotes in different languages. Did you know that "Bacio" is the Italian word for a kiss? I think Italy is teaching us how to be romantic on a whole new level!
National Chocolate Day
Another very interesting tradition is declaring February 14 to be the National Chocolate Day of the country. Yes, you heard that right! Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, announced this in 2005. It is a very sweet effort to boost tourism and local consumption of chocolates in the country. I love it!
Last, but definitely not least, are the ever so popular chocolate bouquets. Which country? Well, almost everywhere! Here in the Philippines, aside from flowers, chocolate bouquets are the first to sell out on Valentine’s Day. The most popular is a bunch of Ferrero Rocher chocolates sticking out from beautiful papers and attracting buyers. Yum!
Photo: "Baci Perugina. Love does not destroy; indeed, it makes your perfect. 27 v. 4 patients - it's karma" by PC is licensed under CC0 1.0
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