Valentine's Day Project

Let's make a poster!

What your poster should include:

1) Title: what country are you researching?

2) Origins: what are the origins of Valentine's Day celebrations (or the equivalent) in your country?

3) Celebration: how does your country celebrate Valentine's Day?

4) Map: where in the world is your country?

5) Interesting Fact: are there any special symbols of Valentine's Day used in your country? Do people go anywhere special or eat something in particular?

6) Pictures!

Here is my example report:

Valentine's Day in Wales

The Welsh celebrate Valentine’s Day on January, 25^th. They call it Dydd Santes Dwynwen, or “day of saint Dwynwen.” Dwywen is the Welsh saint of love.

Dwynwen

Origins: There are lots of versions of the origins of Dydd Santes Dwynwen, but the general gist goes that in the fifth century, Dywnwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill. Maelon returned her love, but for some reason, they could not be together. In some versions her father forbade the marriage, in others her father had promised her to another. Dwynwen, distraught by her love for Maelon, prays to fall out of love with him. 

Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. God then gave three wished to Dwynwen. First she wished that Maelon would be thawed, second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers, and third, that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God’s service for the rest of her life.

She became a nun and built a church, which became known as Llanddwyn, which means “Church of Dwynwen.” 

Celebration: The popularity of this day has increased in recent years, particularly after 2003 when the Bwrdd Yr Iaith (Welsh Language Board) teamed up with a UK grocery store to give away free cards. One card entitled the finder to a prize. The board also suggested ways to celebrate, including love-themed gigs, singles nights, preparing romantic meals, and composing a love poem to be read at a local pub. The Welsh often celebrate with concerts and parties, and exchange Dudd Santes Dwynwen greetings cards.

Interesting Fact: Llanddwyn island contains Dwynwen’s well, where, supposedly, a sacred fish swims whose movements predict the future fortunes and relationships of various couples. Another tradition claims that if the water boils while visitors are present, then love and good luck will surely follow.

A map of Wales within Europe