The United States of America is the world’s most powerful country which is a federal constitutional republic, comprising fifty states and a federal district. It is the third or fourth largest country by total area, and the third largest both by land area and population. Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular festivals in United States of America. This day is considered as a day to honor the great St. Valentine. People express their love and gratitude towards their beloved on this day. This is not considered just as a lover’s day in US but a day in which one can express his gratitude to his teachers, parents, spouse, girlfriend or anybody whom you love.
Valentine’s Day Traditions in US
History
British settlers brought the culture of Valentine’s Day into North America but the first Valentine’s greeting cards were produced in the US shortly after1847 by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts. Nowadays greeting cards is one of the main factors in Valentine’s Day celebrations. It was in the late 20th century, the practice of giving gifts along with cards became a trend. Men use to give roses and chocolates to their women as Valentine’s Day gifts. Flower bouquet is the most ancient gift item for a Valentine’s Day but it still is a trendy gift until now. Around late eighties, Diamonds have emerged as a precious 'valentine gift’. Nowadays, the chains made with diamonds are a rage for women and considered as the most precious Valentine’s gift.
Celebrations
As any other festivals, Valentine’s Day is also heavily commercialized in US. US greeting cards industry is growing day by day with a growth percentage of 8.7. Greeting card is one main attraction of Valentine’s Day in US. Gift shops in US use to have a festive look far before the actual Valentines’ day to lure the customers. The flower bouquet is the common gift presented with other gifts on the day. The majority of the flower gifts go to women and men prefer electronic gadgets and other useful gifts. Gift basket is a common practice in Valentine’s Day. United States is the land of celebrations and people never want to miss one opportunity to celebrate. Parents gift their kids chocolate basket, video games and toys.
In US, Valentine’s Day is considered as an occasion meant for expressing your love or gratitude to a person. The youngsters enjoy the day with new gift ideas such as love map, photo story albums, Musical CDs, DVDs, High-Fi mobile phones. Valentine’s Day dinner and dance parties take place all over America to celebrate the occasion. Even if candle light dinner is an old Valentine’s idea, people religiously follows it till today. Many couples arrange private celebrations in homes and restaurant by hiring a local DJ. Many schools organize children’s programs on Valentine’s Day where children can prove their talent by participating in the fun games and competitions. Children also make flower bouquets and gift baskets for their friends and teachers on that day. People living in different cities exchange the valentine greetings with e-cards and gifts which available through online Valentine’s Day shopping sites.
