
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
Brilliant
I am from Montenegro too,Herceg Novi is my town! Valentine's Day we call St. Trifun's Day! I am not fan of Valentine's Day! I guess that is becouse i didn't find my love yet! Will see! :))
hi Marijaa2700 i didn't knew that u call the valentine's day St in Montenegro don't be sad u will fined u'r love :)
We celebrate it here but I don't see the point in it.
I'm from Montenegro , and we don't usually celebrate Valentine’s Day . But anyway I think it is very romantic and I would like to celebrate that ! :)
"Roses are red, violets are blue ..."
In my country is also celebrated the Valentine's day.
i am from pakistan and celebrating valentine day is not forbidden in some urban parts of my county
personally i do not celebrate it because i am still single some time i feel really disappointed for being so lonely
I live in Romania, and this holiday is partially celebrated under the same topic but on another day of February, and of course, it has a different origin, and a different story. Until this point we have adapted to the English Valentine's Day and actually enjoy it to the most! I say that even something so widely spread as love needs to be celebrated. It deserves a day specially dedicated. :))
I think people all around the world celebrate Valentine's day. I'm from Montenegro and we celebrate it. I think this is a great opportunity to express your feelings to people you care about.
In my country we celebrate Valentines Day, but it is not so popular to send card to your mates or your crush or something. I think it would be cool if we have done that, I mean, it is sweet and lovely. I have never got something like a present or rose, or something, maybe next year. I hope, fingers crossed :))
Here in Czech republic we do not celebrate Valentine's Day... We celebrate the 1st MAY..It's something like Valentine's Day:)
a few persons cleebrate valentine's day
Who says Valentine's day says love , embarassament , confessions but especially fun , merriments ..
Here in Tunisia we didn't use to pay this day a real attention but now with the new generations getting more and more influenced by occidental countries this day has been emblazoned as a special day..
However still exist some conservative families who consider such an occasion as an inappropriate one for our country and its traditions ...
Hello everyone.
Here in Azerbaijan the Valentine's day is February 14 celebrated.
We give chocolates,cards and roses to person we love. A lot of people propose to people they love that day.
many couples used to celebrate Valentines in my country . Couples give cards to each other, but it is also traditional to send an anonymous card to anyone you secretly love .
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 .
Of course, I like Valentines day..........................................
the valentines day is one of my best days because it 's a lovley day in Egypt we celebrate by the valentines day
Hi Jonathan. Thank you very much . I'm still 17.
Thanks for replying :)
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
In September I'm already going to the university, the faculty of theology.And what about you?Have you already decided ?
I am very happy for you :)
Hi diana777. Well done for getting into university and I hope you enjoy your studies! It should be a very exciting time in your life. Just a reminder to everyone here, this website is specially for people aged 13 to 17. If you are now older than 17, you can keep on visiting LearnEnglish Teens but please don't post any more comments here. Instead, you can post on our adult LearnEnglish page. :) Good luck to everyone entering university this September!
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
Thank you very much dear Marish. I've heard that Vanadzor is a wonderful place.
Thank you too;) I like Yerevan♥. I'm going to study in Yerevan.Where are you going to study?
In Yerevan and what about you ?
I live in Vanadzor.You are very beautiful in your photo;)
I'm 17 and you ?
I am 14. Where do you live?
in my contry valentines day is beaytiful day
Hi marish, no I've never eaten but my mom had eaten and she had seen my dad.
And my father'd eaten ,he had seen my mom.;)How old are you?♥
Here in Armenia we celebrate St Sargis's Day. That day young girls and boys and the ones who are not married eat cake which contains a lot of salt. And that night they see a dream where a girl or a boy gives them a glass of water. That person in the dream is the one they will marry.
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