‘Round the world in lovely ways’

In Armenia, two white doves are released at the wedding to symbolize love and happiness.

In Japan, ducks or geese were used in the wedding procession because they mate for life.

In Ireland, the bride’s feet must not leave the floor while dancing, or the fairies will steal her away.

In Morocco, the bride changes into five different wedding gowns, or kaftans, during the festivities.

In China, it was a tradition to be married on the half-hour or “upswing” of the hands of a clock as a sign of hopefulness.

In Holland, the reception includes a wish tree -- a tree branch placed at the bride’s table is decorated with colorful leaves on which the guests have written their special wishes.

In Vietnam, the mother-in-law gives pink chalk to the bride for a rosy future.

In Poland, wedding guests fund the honeymoon by paying to dance with the bride, and likewise ...

In Italy, the groom’s tie was cut into pieces and sold to the wedding guests to send the couple on their way.

In Thailand, the bride and groom would be tied together at the wrists and the head to symbolize the joining of their minds and bodies.

In Germany, the groom would kneel on the bride’s gown to show who was boss, and by tradition, she would step on his foot on rising to contradict him.

In Scotland, the origin of the phrase “tying the knot” is found in the ripping of the bride and groom’s tartan and tying them together to symbolize the uniting of the clans.

In Sweden, the bride places a silver coin from her father in her left shoe and a gold coin from her mother in her right shoe so that she will never be without.

In South Africa, the bride’s parents carried fire from their hearth to the newlywed’s hearth for the same reason.

In Russia, the guy who does not bring flowers on a first date is considered a piker and a cad.

In Wales, an engagement is signified by the giving of elaborately carved spoons, hence the old term, spooning, for amorous behavior.

We know the earth goes around because of the force exerted by condensing gases millions of years ago and love has nothing to do with it. But for the people on the earth, finding that particular, special person is just as astounding. So on Tuesday, don’t forget the one you love. Whether it is with flowers, candy, a card, a white dove, or a carved wooden spoon, there is a reason that St. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. This week’s column is by Sara Barnicle. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.