Valentine Chocolate

As a Creature Comfort for Your Soul Mate

In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all kinds of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box.

For something a bit different that soothes the soul as well as the body, treat your sweetheart to the Chocolate Spa. It's perfect as a creature comfort after a past life regression session, or just as a prelude to enjoying time with your soul mate.

While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the United States and the United Kingdom, there are some interesting customs in other parts of the world, as well -- all of which involve valentine chocolate.

ITALY

Originally celebrated outdoors as a festival of spring, with gardens, music and poetry figuring prominently in the festivities, much of the observance has been moved indoors. Dinner parties and dancing with friends are common additions to the romantic rejoicing of Valentines Day in Italy. Of course, in a culture that reveres the meal and strong tastes, valentine chocolate is shared.

Still a day focused primarily on the young, gifts similar to those exchanged in the United States and England are bestowed upon sweethearts and soul mates. It's rare, though, for gifts to be given to non-lovers.

One of the favorite valentine chocolate confections in Italy is the Baci Perugina. This is a hazelnut surrounded by chocolate and accompanied by a romantic poem on a slip of paper, much like a fortune cookie.

CHINA

The common celebration in China consists of the man presenting chocolate and/or flowers to the woman he loves.

JAPAN

The Japanese celebrate both the beginning and the end of a month of romance starting on February 14 and concluding with White Day on March 14.

Chocolate -- the most popular gift in Japan -- is both store-bought and, often, made at home by women.

On Valentines Day, women give presents of chocolate to their soul mates and sweethearts, of course. They also offer the sweets to male coworkers (giri-choko, obligatory chocolate) and friends (chomo-choko, friends chocolate).

A month later, on March 14, men return the favor and return a gift (usually more extensive and more expensive) to the women who gave chocolate to them. Because they give white chocolate, the holiday is named White Day.

Urban myth says the tradition was started by a promotional campaign of a marshmallow company in the 1960s, and while the candy itself didn't catch on, the color of it did.

KOREA

The Korean celebration of Valentines Day is similar to that of Japan's. The exception is that White Day has more importance. Men often use this occasion to declare their love for the first time.

Women in Korean outrank women in Japan on the amount of chocolate given (in total).

BRAZIL

Brazilians celebrate romance on June 12, Dia dos Namorados (Day of the Enamored). Valentines chocolate, cards, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between couples.

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