Valentine’s Day Celebrations Across the World – and at Windmill Lodges
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so now is the time to start thinking about what you are going to get for your loved one – whether it’s a card, a personal gift or something more elaborate.
Windmill Lodges offer romantic log cabin breaks in the heart of Suffolk. Here we look at how Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the world – and how one of our hot tub holidays is the ideal way of showing your other half that you love them.
Wales
In Wales, people exchange gifts on St. Dwynwen’s Day on 25th January, as well as on 14th February. This is because Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and on this day the men traditionally give women hand-carved wooden spoons.
This tradition is believed to have started in the 16th century when Welsh sailors carved designs into wooden spoons while at sea to bring back to their lovers at home.
Japan
Here women are expected to make the first move. They are expected to give the man in their lives a gift, with home-made chocolate (honmei-choco) among the most popular choices. This is believed to have stemmed from a successful advertising campaign in the 1950s and 60s.
Men are expected to buy their women a gift in return – usually white chocolate – on 14th March. This is because the day has been officially designated ‘White Day’ by the Japanese National Confectionary Industry Association.
The Philippines
In this country, some couples celebrate St Valentine’s Day with cards and gifts – but many go one step further by getting married. Thousands of couples across the country tie the knot, sometimes in mass ceremonies and often in public places. Some local authorities provide venues and officiate for free, and married couples often add to the numbers by renewing their vows.
Finland and Estonia
These two Baltic countries opt for much more low-key celebrations on 14th February. Cards and presents are exchanged with friends and families rather than loved ones, in recognition of the fact that they call Valentine’s Day ‘Friendship Day’. Homes are also decorated with colourful ribbons and lights, while there are also a lot of public events laid on as well, particularly musical concerts.
South Africa
This is a country where you mark Valentine’s Day by literally wearing your heart on your sleeve. On 14th February, many women (and some men) pin the name of their loved one on their sleeve in a tradition which is thought to date back to an ancient Roman custom called Lupercalia.
Romantic Log Cabin Breaks in Suffolk with Windmill Lodges
Another way of marking St Valentine’s Day is to spend it with us. Windmill Lodges has a luxury range of cabins to choose from for all types of romantic log cabin breaks in Suffolk – whether you want to book them for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, wedding anniversary or any other special occasion. We also have two dog friendly lodges (Woodpecker and Wagtail) so you can bring your canine companion to East Anglia too.
Inside all our lodges you will find a fully fitted kitchen, an en suite bathroom or shower room, a TV and free wi-fi – and, don’t forget, your own private hot tub for added romance and relaxation.
We are fully compliant with all the latest Government advice regarding the coronavirus and have been awarded ‘COVID 19 Confident’ accreditation by the AA and the ‘We’re Good to Go’ accolade from Visit England.
Follow the link here to check on the latest availability of our lodges.