Happy Valentines Day Australia
Many people in countries such as Australia celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, chocolates, jewelry or other presents of all shapes and sizes to their loved ones or those they admire. This event falls on February 14 each year.
Is Valentine’s Day a Public Holiday?
Although Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Royal Hobart Regatta in 2022, which is a public holiday in Tasmania.
A reef, shaped like a heart, in the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.
©iStockphoto.com/Andrew Robins
Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day, is a day that many Australians celebrate with someone they love. Typical Valentine’s Day activities include:
- Picnics in the park.
- Buying gifts of chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or other items for their loved ones.
- A romantic meal at a restaurant.
- A boat cruise with a special meal.
- Sharing Valentine’s Day messages via social media and radio announcements.
Some people choose Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their partners, while others set February 14 as their wedding day. Some charities, non-government organizations, or community organizations hold special events, such as a Valentine’s Day ball, to raise funds for various causes that help others in need.
Public Life
Valentine’s Day is an observance but it is not a designated nationwide public holiday in Australia. Restaurants, theatres, coffee shops, and shops selling Valentine’s Day related products may be particularly busy on this day. Those wishing to eat out on Valentine’s Day may need to book with their restaurant of choice in advance.
About Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide. The origins of Valentine’s Day are not clear but many sources believe that it stems from the story of St Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred on or around February 14 in the year 270 CE. Valentine’s Day has become increasingly popular in Australia over the years, particularly during the late 20th century, and it continues to be observed among many Australians today.
Symbols
The most common symbols of Valentine’s Day are heart shapes, which are used to decorate many things, including cards, trees, wrapping paper, cookies and gift boxes. Other symbols associated with Valentine’s Day are pairs of birds, cute teddy bears, Cupid and his arrows and couples kissing or embracing. The colors red and pink are often associated with Valentine’s Day.
About Valentine’s Day in Other Countries
Valentine’s Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Tue | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2018 | Wed | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2019 | Thu | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2020 | Fri | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2021 | Sun | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2022 | Mon | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2023 | Tue | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2024 | Wed | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2025 | Fri | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2026 | Sat | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| 2027 | Sun | 14 Feb | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
Valentines’ Day in Australia – 14th of February
The day of love originates from the European saint, Valentine. It began as a Christian tradition which is gradually being taken up around the world, largely, I might suggest, because it is very profitable for business. Red is the colour of Valentines’ Day (and of love).
So what do Australians do on Valentines’ Day?
- send anonymous cards to people they like but are too shy to tell (I remember getting one of these once – it would have been really good to know who’d sent it)
- give cards and presents to their boyfriend/girlfriends, lovers, husband/wife, etc.
- give presents, especially chocolate, red (for love) roses (1 or ideally 12) and sometimes jewellery. Valentines’ Day balloons are also becoming popular.
- go out for a special dinner, or lunch, or breakfast – restaurants and cafes will have something to cover all of these. Don’t forget the champagne!
- put a Valentines’ Day message in the local newspaper, they now have pages and pages of them every Valentines’ Day
I was out shopping today and saw that a shop was promoting Valentines’ Day presents for your mum and dad, but I think that’s taking it a little too far. What do you think?
Anyway, Happy Valentines’ Day!
“The greatest gift you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return“
