Instructions
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, 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 last year included: an mp3 player, red roses, a box of chocolates, a CD of 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, 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 or 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
In Ukraine we not celebrate Valentine's Day because it is a Catholical holiday/I like a Valentine's Day because I think it is a sugnigicent holiday and you can make your family happy and give the gifts.I like make "hand made"presents because I think it is the most enjoyed gift and I like make sweet presents: gingerbread and cakes!!!
I don't celebrate Valentine's Day in Russia, but I like this holiday)
In Italy we celebrate it, but i hate Valentine's day!
Valentine's Day is one of the international holidays in our country. Many people make a declaration of love and propose marriage on that day. Lovers make surprises and give presents to each other, for example: cards, toys, boxes of chocolates, chocolate bars and coloured balloons. Some these gifts are made in the shape of hearts. The main symbol of this holiday is a valentine card. It’s a small heart-shaped card with a nice words. And other people send poems each other in messages. Funny parties are traditionally held at schools, clubs and cafes. We had a party devoted to St. Valentine's Day in our school on the fourteenth of February. There was a postbox in the hall. The students put cards addressed to the person they have a romance with. They sent it anonymously.
I like this holiday, because it gives people happiness and joy.
In our country some people celebrate St Valentine's Day. We have some traditions, for example sending cards with congratulations to our loved people. Also, ones can send presents anonymously to people that they secretly love. We get and give such gifts as chokolate,toys, flowers and of course cards with unusual poems.
But others mark similar celebration on July 8th. There are many customs on this day.
Yeah. We usually celebrate it. Mostly teenagers . but it's fun
In my country, valentine's day is not so much of a deal. I mean, some of us celebrate it but most of us are indifferent. Personally, i would like valentine's day if i had a boyfriend..Just kidding..I like it one way or another.:)
In my country we don't traditionally celebrate Valentine's day because it's a catholic holiday. However most young couples celebrate this day and buy presents for their loved ones. In my country on the same day, 14th February, we celebrate Sveti Trifun, which can be translated into English like The Day of The Wine. So, every year on that day there are plenty of discussions about what holiday should we be celebrating. I think people start to celebrate both of this holidays because they are both unique and special.
That's similar to my country. Goverment has never considered it a holiday but many teenagers ( and adults) often buy gifts for their boy'girlfriends ( and life partners).
But do you know why annually, the Vietnamese people don't have to work on Valentine's day ? They often stay at home or hang out with their lovers all day. (^------^). Because we have ten days off for Lunar New Year Eve and these holidays cover Valentine's day . That's coincident ( and great ) , right ?
You're right. That is pretty great especially if you have someone to spend the holiday with.
I don't enjoy valentine's day very much although my friends and relatives celebrate it every year. It's weird that people with their love walking around, chatting at someone who haven't got a guy/girl yet. It's definitely not a good feeling :)))
disgusting
I don't look forward to Valentine day. But teenagers often go out with their bears on this day
With bears?? Who are they, gianggiang? Teddy Bears?
Vietnamese teenagers are cool, aren't they??
∧ ∧
( ´･ω･)
/ ⌒ヽ
（人＿__つ_つ
(๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و
bear. I think it is a funny word. It means boy or girlfriend. Don't people in your country call like that ?
we also call single person ' FA" ( forever alone) and clumsy students ' chicken". my mom said that they originated from some films and magazines.
Oh, I didn't know that. I don't think of such a word which compares people with animals in my language. We could say he's bearish (like a bear) but we don't call someone bear or chicken. Language represents how we see things, interesting, huh?
(ง ´͈౪`͈)ว
Hello,and Happy Valentine's day.
As I promised, I've chosen two ( romantic, funny and meaningful - I think so) songs. I hope you enjoy it !
1) Baby I love you ( Tiffany Alvord )
2) Oah ( Alexander Rybak ) --( I wasn't able to hide my smiling face when watching the video.)
Happy Valentine's day, Hope all couples have a sweet day and warm moments with their love.
Hi Giangginag!
ε(*'-')з†.*･ﾟ☆Happyヾ(ﾟ∇ﾟ)ﾉValentine's day☆ﾟ･*.†ε('-'*)з
I appreciate your great music selection for us!
My GF and I shared them in a laugh after listening the romantic song!
You're really insightful, aren't you? :))
Owing to your help, I think she has snapped out of a bad mood!
She's simple but has a sense of honest, …lovable, isn't she!?
(*˘︶˘*).｡.:*♡
Again, my view on Valentine's Day?
Well, love it for one thing and another!
∵⃝♡⍢⃝ ⍤⃝ ⍨⃝ ∵⃝♡⍢⃝ ⍤⃝ ⍨⃝ ∵⃝♡⍢⃝
✲ﾟ｡.(✿╹◡╹)ﾉ☆.｡₀:*ﾟ✲ﾟ*:₀｡
My view on Valentine's Day?
This year, I'm just feeling blue…
First, I've got an exam all day.
Second, I was known that my girlfriend was going to eat out with her classmate as is customary. So I'm in the wrong mood!!!
Well, I'm thinking about saving time and doing something for myself at home….!
Ωヾ(･ω･｡)
No don't celebrate Valenties day.It's boring and it's a bit emberresing for girls to give presents to boys.So that's why.
i am from romania and no, i don't celebrate valentine's day in my country.In my opinin it's a superficial event because i don't need a one day for express my love and feeling to the loved one.I can buy chocholate or another sweets for my boyfriend when i want..today,tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.I don't need a event to express my feeling,i think that i can do this when i want.
I do celebrate valentine day, but I never got any cards, a bucket of flowers, or even chocolate.
But now I have a crush with my senior. I want to confess my feelings through a card because I'm kind of shy. Is there any suggestion? Feel free to tell me.
Yes, we celebrate Valentine's Day, although a market is more and more leading a commercialized farce...!
Yes i celebrate Valentines day,but i don t have a boyfriend jet.Happy Valentines day everyone,wishes you iva10.
We do not celebrate Valentine's day, but if someone love with each other in my mind there is no need for Valentine's day for lovers every day even every second is valentine's day moment, please enjoy your life with lovers, wherever you are.
I completly agree with you!!!
am I the only one still FA? :v
Hi maihuong,
I'm not sure what you mean by FA. Can you explain?
Best wishes, Jo (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
Hi! I know the meaning of FA is forever alone that means you donnot have boy/girl friend or husband or wife, still alone.
I have no taste of celebrating this day!!
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