Valentine's Traditions: Korea, Wales, Argentina and the US
世界各地如何庆祝情人节?
The United States celebrates Valentine's Day each year on February 14. Images of hearts are everywhere, as are red roses and boxes of chocolates to give to that special person. You could say that "love is in the air."
Many other countries celebrate Valentine's Day, too, each in their own way. Here is a look at four countries' Valentine's Day traditions.
很多其它国家也都以各自的方式庆祝情人节。以下是4个国家的情人节传统。
South Korea: three is a charm
韩国：汝慕“三分”
For South Koreans, Valentine's Day happens in three parts: February 14, March 14 and April 14.
对韩国人来说，情人节可以分为3个阶段：2月14日，3月14日和4月14。
On February 14, women traditionally give men gifts of chocolate to show their affection. One month later, on a holiday known as White Day, men show their thanks by giving women a sweet gift. The name "White Day" comes from the mostly outdated custom of giving white-colored gifts.
And, let's not forget Black Day on April 14. Single people who did not get gifts on February 14 or March 14 often gather on Black Day to eat Jjajyangmyeon noodles with black bean sauce.
Unlike many European countries, Wales does not celebrate Saint Valentine. It has its own Saint of Love. Her name is Saint Dwynwen. The Welsh holiday is called St. Dwynwen's Day and takes place on January 25.
The traditional romantic gift on this day is a love spoon. Beginning in the 17th century, Welsh men carved beautiful wooden spoons as a representation of their love for that special person in their lives. Each pattern has a different meaning. For example, horseshoes mean good luck; keys represent the key to a man's heart; and wheels are a sign of support.
Today in Wales, love spoons are also given at weddings, births and other celebrations.
如今在威尔士，婚礼、分娩和其它庆祝活动上也会送出爱之匙。
Argentina: a week of sweets
阿根廷：甜蜜周
Argentina celebrates Valentine's Day in February, but also gives a whole other week to love in July. They call it Sweetness Week. If you kiss someone, they have to give you a sugary treat.
Sweetness Week started in 1989 with a candy company called Arcor. They made an advertisement called "Candy for a Kiss." The idea was to give the company's chocolates and other candies in exchange for a sweet kiss on the cheek. The campaign had a stronger effect than the company expected -- it led to a new holiday!
Every July, couples who take part give each other candies and kisses all week long.
每年7月，参加活动的情侣整个礼拜都会互送糖果和亲吻。
United States: female friends
美国：闺密
Finally, we turn to the United States.
最后来说说美国。
Galentine's Day, February 13, began as a made-up holiday on an American television show, Parks and Recreation. In one part of the show in 2010, the show's main character, Leslie Knope, said Galentine's Day is about "ladies celebrating ladies." So, the day is a celebration of friendship between women.
Today, women use the holiday as a time to go out and have fun with female friends, co-workers or family members, or to show their love for personal female heroes.
如今，女性们在这天外出度假，与女性朋友、同事或家人一起玩乐，或是表达对女性英雄的爱意。
On Galentine's Day in 2020, for example, Michelle Obama thanked her girlfriends who support her through life's ups and downs.
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