Valentine’s Day Special: From wife carrying festivals to walking barefoot, here’s how love is expressed in different countries

New Delhi: Handing out roses, pampering your loved ones with gifts and treats, spending quality time together… these are some of the most typical ways in which couples celebrate Valentine’s Day.

However, since love is a very creative affair in all senses, then why must the expression of it be too predictable and boring? This is why, in different cultures around the world, love is celebrated and expressed in peculiar ways.

So, if you are running out of ideas on how to make your Valentine’s Day special, feel free to take inspiration from these bizarre expressions of love.

1. Japan: Lunch Boxes

In Japan, lunch boxes are an important expression of love between husband and wife. Wives pack decorative lunch boxes called Bento for their husbands on special occasions to show love.

The beauty of the Bento is seen as an indicator of how much a woman loves her husband. Men like to show off their decorative lunchboxes to their peers and evoke jealousy.

2. Slovenia: Walking on Ice

What can be a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than walking barefoot on ice and watching birds together? In Slovenia, a common expression of love is to walk on snowy fields to watch the ceremony of birds.

The birds supposedly drop some cues for singles as well. For example, Slovenians believe that the first bird you see might tell you the name of your future soulmate.

3. Germany: Pigs

If your partner gifts you anything that resembles pigs in any shape on Valentine’s Day, you will be furious. But in Germany, receiving a pig-shaped gift can seal the deal.

In German culture, pigs symbolize fortune as well as deep romantic feelings, and pig-shaped chocolates, stuffed toys, and charms make rounds in gift shops during Valentine’s Day.

4. Wales: Giving Spoons

Welsh Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 25th January when couples exchange exotic custom-made spoons to express love. The spoon can have some hidden message for the recipient. These spoons are called love spoons.

5. Estonia: Friends

This one is a bit tricky. Looks like Estonia has got love and friendship all mixed up. The country celebrates Valentine’s Day as Sōbrapäev, which translates to Friends Day.

But don’t lose hope. If you get a friend’s day card from someone you like romantically, it can still be a green signal.