In comparison to how other cultures celebrate Valentine's Day, Finland takes a very different take on the holiday. Finland has only been celebrating the holiday since the 1980s and formally since 1987. In Finland, Valentine's Day can be translated into "Friendship Day." Instead of being a day solely dedicated to romance, the Finnish people use the day to celebrate close friends and loved ones.
They do this in much the same way as Americans: by sending cards, personalized letters, small gifts, chocolate, and flowers. Valentine's Day is still celebrated between couples but is recognized as more of a day for friends and loved ones in general.
Groups of friends often go out to private parties and clubs. This is different because the evening in America is generally spent with a significant other.
Children could learn this culture by being asked to make a small craft for a close friend and include a note saying how much he or she cares about that friend. Instead of using the traditional colors and distributing generic valentines, children would be asked to explore friendships at a more intimate level. Kids could draw a picture, make a bracelet, craft, etc. for a special friend or family member.
-Kelly
Information received from http://www.finnguide.com/calendar/calendarevents.asp?month=2&p=9
Great ideas Kelly! "Instead of using the traditional colors and distributing generic valentines, children would be asked to explore friendships at a more intimate level. Kids could draw a picture, make a bracelet, craft, etc. for a special friend or family member."
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