Love. It’s universal. But, when it comes to the way love is expressed, that isn’t always the case. Countries around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day in strange, unique and sometimes oddly charming ways. Here are just a few that you and your loved one may dare to delight in this Valentine’s Day.
Have a Bite of my Austrian Apple
In rural Austria, the girls perform a ritual dance in front of the village’s bachelors in the hopes of finding true love. While dancing, the girls keep in place slices of apple – where else? – but in their alluring, odorous armpits. Once the dance is complete, the girls will pluck the apple slices from their sweaty cellar and give them to the lucky man of their choice, who not only gets the girl but also good eating!
Letters to Juliet: Minus Amanda Seyfried
People in Verona, Italy, both men and women alike, come with letter in hand to the Casa di Guilietta (Juliet’s house), where the renowned Capulet family from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is said to have lived. It is there that one in search of answers to the arduous questions of love will find the advice they need. The “secretaries of Juliet” will answer the letters posted to the wall by way of gum, tape or other creative adhesives. But if you are unable to whisk away to Italy this Valentine’s, you can venture a few hours south to Ashland, Oregon, for the answers you seek. In Ashland (famous it’s Shakespeare Festival) you will find an old fashioned mailbox at the ready for you letter to Juliet. Within a couple of weeks, a response will arrive. The experience is delightful; the advice, insightful.
Prisoner of Love
It is said that French man, Charles the Duke of Orleans, was the first to send a love letter, overflowing with poems for his wife, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Many believe this man is to thank, or blame, for the inundation of overly sentimental Hallmark cards we send to our one loved ones; because what could be more romantic than true love in bondage!
Giant German Gingerbread
People will go to great lengths to prove their love for a significant other. Poems read aloud. Flowers delivered to your door. Extravagant dates at the top of the Eiffel tower! And. . .a gingerbread heart as big as a large dog sprawled across your shoulders? ‘Tis the German way of showing you are someone’s sweetheart and also enormously loved. The tradition of hanging this baked cookie decorated with doting Valentinstag sayings became increasingly popular after World War II. Let it be known that big love reigns true in the end.