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Valentine Gifts Guide > Love... Cross Culturally

Love... Cross Culturally

Why it may be important to pay attention to your honey's cultural background...

  • While chocolate is considered romantic in American culture, it is a common cooking ingredient in Mexico, where other sweets have more romantic implications.

  • Some culture view alcohol as taboo, and giving it to a sweetheart would be in terrible taste. In the US, wine remains the most romantic alcohol.

  • In countries where alcohol is prohibited, fruits are seen as passionate, pomegranates, grapes, and other exotic fruits symbolic of passion and fertility might be a more appropriate gift.

  • Don't give red roses in Europe unless you have a romantic relationship with that person, they are not a casual statement.

  • Red roses are not seen as romantic in Asia. Red is the color of royalty there, and flowers are usually given to deities and ancestors, not to people.

  • Kissing and physical familiarity are very different from culture to culture. In Latin America, Russia and Central Asia, same sex affection (hugging etc.) is no big deal.

Source:
Dean Foster, "Love, Non-American style." Brandweek, Feb. 1, 1999, Vol. 40, Iss. 5, pg: 16.
Valentines Day
Origins, History, Trivia
Love Lotteries and Origins
Valentine's Day in Great Britain
Valentine's Day comes to America
Love... Cross Culturally
Valentine's Dates in History
Valentine Symbols and Magic
Men's view of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day Cards
Valentine's Day Trivia
Collectible Valentines
Golden Age of Valentines
Dimensional Valentines
Valentine's Day Commerce
Valentine's Day Abroad

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