
Instructions
Preparation
February 14th is traditionally a celebration of love, so how do people in the UK mark the occasion?
Cards
Sending a Valentine’s card to a loved one is a custom that started more than a century ago. Couples give cards to each other, but it is also traditional to send an anonymous card to anyone you secretly love. This practice is particularly common in schools and can be a source of great amusement and embarrassment as everyone tries to work out who sent a card and who has a secret admirer! Valentine’s Day symbols on cards include hearts designs, doves, and the figure of the winged angel, Cupid.
Poems
The card might also feature a poem. Probably the most famous lines from a Valentine’s Day poem are:
Roses are red, violets are blue,
Honey is sweet, and so are you.
There are some ironic variations on this poem such as:
Roses are red, violets are blue,
You look like a monkey and smell like one too!
Mobile love
Millions of people use digital means of creating and sending Valentine’s Day greeting messages such as e-cards, social media posts or printable greeting cards. Texting your Valentine message is an easy (although maybe not very romantic!) option. Valentine’s Day text messages include:
- WUBMV – will you be my Valentine
- xoxoxoxoxo – hugs and kisses
- LUWAM<3 – love you with all my heart
- ImRdy4Luv – I’m ready for love
- :'-) – I’m so happy, I’m crying
- ILUVU – I love you
Flowers and chocolates
As well as cards, February 14th is also a day for giving gifts. Traditionally, men give chocolates or flowers to their wives or girlfriends. There are lots of websites offering advice on which Valentine’s present to buy. Popular choices include red roses, a box of chocolates, romantic songs, a phone, jewellery, a photo frame or perfume.
Unusual gifts
Some people think that flowers and chocolates seem a little ordinary and so they look for a more unusual gift. For romantic people with plenty of cash, these gifts could include a helicopter flight, a balloon ride, the chance to test-drive a Ferrari or an all-day session at a health club.
Others, however, complain that Valentine’s Day is yet another opportunity for ever-increasing commercialism. For true romantics, the gift of love is enough. Valentine's Day is a popular day to either propose or get married – you’d never forget your wedding anniversary!
Valentine’s Day: love it or hate it?
We asked a few Brits about their views on Valentine’s Day and here’s what they said. Following the tradition of Valentine’s Day, all the comments below are anonymous.
Love it! I always send cards to my mates – and my boyfriend, of course.
I would prefer to go without it. I don’t want gifts or money or anything like that. Knowing that I’m appreciated and that I can make others happy is good enough for me.
I got a card last year – but I still don’t know who sent it. I haven’t got a girlfriend.
My mum sends me a card every year. It’s sort of sweet but I think I’m getting a bit old for that now.
It’s just really humiliating. I’ve never received a Valentine’s card in my life. A day to switch off my phone because I know I’m not going to get any messages.
My boyfriend sent me a text message last year on Valentine’s Day. I suppose that’s kind of romantic but I’d rather have a present or even a real card.
I sent an anonymous Valentine’s card to a boy in my class when I was younger. Then my brother told him it was from me. I was so embarrassed!
I’m single so it’s definitely irritating. It’s too commercial anyway.
If a girl likes me I don’t need to waste money sending her a card just because it’s a tradition.
Chocolates, roses, cards, presents. Bring it on! I love Valentine’s Day!
Worksheets and downloads
Discussion
Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? If not, is there a similar day in your country?
Comments
I'm single, but that doesn't stop me from being happy on that beautiful day!
this days is very importtant for adult
Yes in Albania celebrate Valentin day its a beautiful day full with love i like this day......
Well, that's romantic day, i know.
But with me, a 15 year old girl, it's time for me and my family , not boyfriend!! Itz because of being single you know LoL. ^^. Hope many couples will be happy in that day .
-I'm from Vietnam.
I also like valentine's day very much......
I love to celebrate it but i am single ...and in my country most of people celebrate this wonderful day with their person of heart..........
u are a new member????????
we did not need valentines day....
'cause we we could prove our love to our beloved couple everyday, everytime, everywhere....
:)
Well, many couples used to celebrate Valentines in my country . But Valentines day is just ordinary day for singles. Valentines is a special day to confess to someone or spending a special day with someone you love or like . I celebrated this year valentines with my friends and families . I spend Valentines with my family this year . Although is a Couple day , but i still love it <3 :)
yes we celebrate
In my country Albania, we celebrate Valentine's Day.
We give chocolates,cards and roses to person we love.
A lot of people propose to people they love that day.
have you ever celebrated it??...
absolutely with your beloved couple...
ahhhhhhhhhh love. all people celebrates this day
valentin day is celebrated in albania and don't have any similar celebration...
I'm form albania........In Albania this is a new celebration...bUt We celebrate So much........
this is the most lovely day of the year PS i am 14 years old but i like a lot this day
happy valentine's day everyone in love like you
xoxo from ALBANIA
HI
I am from Albania , and here in my country everybody in love celebrate is somethink special .
THE CITY is decorated with red hearts and and big posters... <3 <3
Here in Albania the Valentine's day is in 14th..
I don't know if it is same at different countries...
today is valentine's day
happy valentine's day
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
I live in Ukraine and only couples celebrate St Valentine's Day...)
Who are from Ukrain liked me
mm...
I think this is so boring day :D
It`s such a nice day
I am from Ukraine. I don`t mind this holiday.
It is an ordinary day)))
As for me, it's very stupid day. I don't like this holiday.
i live in albania.here we celebrate the valentine's day on 14th february.i like it !! :* :)
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