Valentine’s Day the Scandinavian way
- 7 years ago
- Views : 10243
- Ellen Ripa
Valentine’s Day is just over a week away, and already we can’t escape the onslaught of roses, cheesy clichés, and heart-shaped…everything! TV, shops and social media are all turning pink and fluffy in the run up to the big day. It’s definitely a time when lovers of pink and red can rejoice! Valentine’s Day has certainly become a huge hit over here in the UK, but today we’re checking out Valentine’s Day the Scandinavian way.
Norway ‘Valentinsdag’: Like the UK, Norway has firmly planted Valentine’s Day into their annual calendar. It has become a big event for Norwegians, particularly the younger generations, who enjoy the run up to Valentine’s Day buying roses, booking meals and some even prepare to propose to their partner! There is also an old belief that birds mated on this day to bear offspring. In modern times if birds are seen mating, it is said to represent true love!
Sweden ‘Alla hjärtans dag’: In Sweden, Valentine’s Day is called ‘alla hjärtans dag‘ which means ‘all hearts day’. They have a love for sweet things and there is a lot of exchanging sweet pastries, candies and jelly hearts!We love these ‘Swedish Fish’ from Sugarfina and these ‘Sparkling rosé gummies’ from Sugarsin. Valentine’s Day has only been present in Sweden since the 1960’s so it is not celebrated by all. But there is still plenty of romantic ways to show someone you love them on the special day; BBC Good Food suggests breakfast in bed with some cardamom buns. Sounds ideal!
Denmark ‘Valentinsdag‘: Denmark also joins in the Valentine’s festivities. They have a tradition called Gækkebreve that loosely translates as ‘snowdrop letter’. It is normally a romantic poem written on hand-cut paper where only dots are used for the sender’s name. The receiver must decipher the letters of the name to find out their secret admirer! Traditionally a snowdrop is included with the letter, and if the recipient discovers their admirer, the sender must give them an Easter egg on Easter Sunday!
It looks as if Valentine’s day has taken Scandinavia by storm, and it continues to grow globally. We’re going head back into the world of heart-shaped fluffy red and pink things – only for another week!