Thought Valentine’s Day was complicated enough in the UAE? It’s even stranger in these places…
Japan
February 14 sees women present their male friends and significant others with lavish quantities of chocolate. The men don’t escape completely, though – a month later, on March 14, they return the favour and are expected to give bigger, more expensive gifts.
Taiwan
Here, the number of roses a man gives to a woman holds different, specific messages. Eleven means ‘a favourite’, 99 means ‘forever’ and 108 means ‘marry me’. Our top tip: don’t get it wrong.
Denmark
The Danes have a unique take on Valentine’s cards, whereby the sender, instead of writing his name, signs off with a line of dots – one for each letter in his name. If the recipient correctly identifies the sender, he has to buy her an Easter Egg. Weird.
Wales
Spoons are a traditional token of affection for Welsh lovers, often carved with symbols to denote different sentimental messages. A Celtic knot symbolises eternal love, a horseshoe is for luck and a bird carving signifies an invitation to travel.
