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Valentine’s Day Across the World
In the UK, February 14 is the day to remember your loved one – either in the form of cards, chocolates or flowers. But how is St Valentine’s Day celebrated in other countries?
Hamiltons are experts in international removals to Europe and across the world. Here we look at some of the more unusual traditions associated with February 14 across the world.
The Philippines
As well as the usual celebrations which are the same as in the West, the day is often marked by the ultimate expression of love – getting married. Thousands of couples across the country tie the knot, sometimes in mass wedding ceremonies, and often in public places. Some local authorities provide venues and officiate for free, and married couples often add to the numbers by renewing their vows.
South Africa
For those people thinking about domestic or commercial removals to South Africa, this is a country where women can wear their heart on their sleeve – literally! On February 14, many of them pin the name of their loved ones on their sleeves, in what was originally thought to be an ancient Roman tradition called Lupercalia. In some parts of the country, men do this as well. At least this way you are guaranteed to learn whether you have any admirers.
Japan
Here the onus is definitely on the woman to make the first move – but the men don’t get out of it either! On February 14, ladies buy chocolates for their loved ones, and the more expensive they are, the stronger their feelings are thought to be. High-quality ones are reserved for husbands and boyfriends, while cheaper (so-called obligation chocolates) are given to friends and colleagues.
However, a month later on March 14, the men are expected to return the favour, on what is known as White Day. Their gift, often jewellery or lingerie, should be two or three times the value of the chocolate. If it isn’t, then the relationship could be considered to be over.
Finland and Estonia
The Finnish and the Estonians opt for a much lower-key celebration on February 14. They exchange presents and cards with friends and family rather than their loved ones. Both countries have called Valentine’s Day ‘Friendship Day’. People also mark the occasion by decorating their homes with colourful ribbons and lights, while live shows and musical performances are also common in both countries.
Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine’s Day cards were originally called ‘Lover’s Cards’. These could either include pictures of the sender, or white pressed flowers known as snowdrops.
Nowadays, these have both been superseded by more conventional Valentine’s cards, although one tradition does remain. On February 14, men send their loved ones little poems or love notes, known as gaekkebrev. The message is signed anonymously with dots, and if the receiver guesses the name correctly, she can expect to receive an Easter egg later in the year.
International Removals with Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals, we pride ourselves on supplying a top-quality moving service at a highly competitive price. If you are interested in international removals to Europe, we can arrange commercial or domestic moves to all parts of the continent, including Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Our experienced team can also help with your move to and from most worldwide destinations, including South Africa, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If you would like to know more about our services, follow this link or call our friendly, experienced team on 01379 855203.
Six Reasons to Choose Hamiltons Removals for Your Commercial Moves
Many people see the New Year as a fresh start and chance to set ambitious goals and targets for the coming year – and the same applies to businesses. East Anglian removals firm Hamiltons Removals specialises in commercial removals and household moves to destinations as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as well as in the UK.
If you are looking to move your business to a new location, here are 6 reasons why you should choose Hamiltons Removals for your commercial move.
Many Years of Experience
With more than 25 years’ experience in moving different kinds of businesses across the UK and beyond. You can rest assured that whatever challenges you face during your move, we have probably seen them before.
One of the most inconvenient parts of any company move is packing and unpacking your items, while remaining operational for as long as possible. By using our packing and unpacking service you can keep working right up to the last minute and have your essentials ready when you arrive, minimising any disruptions.
A Single Point of Contact
With Hamiltons Removals you will be assigned a dedicated liaison manager for the duration of your move. Because all your communications will be channelled through just one person, you can be sure that they know your move inside out, along with what needs to be done next.
Not only does this greatly reduce the chance of any misunderstandings and lost communications, but also means that you do not need to assign one of your staff members to this role. This will save you both time and money.
Our Specialist Services
For almost all businesses the key to a good and quick move is getting your IT systems up and running as quickly as possible. That is why Hamiltons will liaise with your IT department to ensure your move goes smoothly.
We are not just experienced in dealing with electronic items – we also have the expertise and capacity to move large and unusual items such as farm vehicles and production equipment.
We Also Take Care of Your Employees
Taking away the management of the move and packing and unpacking your items are not the only ways that Hamilton Removals can reduce the stress levels of your employees. Because your office or production is moving, it is likely that some of your employees are moving too. We can help them move at exactly the same time, reducing that stress in their personal life too.
At Home or Abroad
We offer commercial removals within the UK and worldwide, including European destinations such as France, Switzerland, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. By being extremely knowledgeable about import and export regulations you can rest assured that all necessary administrative work will have been done to ensure that nothing of yours will get stuck in customs, even briefly.
We Can Store Items Too
You may not have decided yet what items you need to take with you, or you may be in a position where some equipment and staff may be coming later as part of a staggered move. In cases such as these it may be useful to place some of your items into short or long term storage.
Hamiltons’ Safe N Stored facilities in Harleston and Aldeby are both easy to access and securely guarded. This will mean your items will be safely stored for as long as you need them to be. The location of the self-storage rooms and units are also ideal for any business relocating to Norfolk and Suffolk.
Commercial Moves with Hamiltons Removals
Hamiltons are an East Anglian based removals firm who have helped companies move all across the UK and around the world. With over 25 years’ experience you can rest assured that your business and staff will be moved to your new location without stress and limited disruption to operations.
If you would like to know more about our commercial removals service or would like a quote, click on this link or call us on (0)1379 855203.