Spritzes of perfume, satin pillows, different styles of chocolates and roses filled the Bridge Lounge of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union in celebration of Valentine’s Day Tuesday.

At the University Board’s “Love: a Universal Language” event, foreign traditions were spread out through the Union to share awareness of the rituals of other countries.

Julie Jimenez, a junior psychology major and member of the cultural arts committee for the UB, said students knowing how other cultures celebrate holidays can open their eyes.

“It’s a way to be informed on how other cultures celebrate their Valentine’s Day,” Jimenez said. “They are experiencing a new way to celebrate their loved ones.”

Jimenez said the customs they featured in their interactive activities were from Australia, South Africa, Taiwan and Japan.

“We have these satin cushions that in Australia; it is a custom that they spray them with their perfume or cologne and give it to a loved one,” Jimenez said.

There was also an activity from South Africa, where students made their loved one’s name out of beads. The name is then pinned to their sleeve.

Kelly Partenheimer, a space administrator in the Business and Scheduling Office, said she liked the name pins.

“It’s cute because it is like they are always with you,” Partenheimer said.

Jimenez said chocolates mean different things in the Japanese culture.

“We have different types of chocolates, and in Japan on Feb. 14, the girls give the guy chocolate,” Jimenez said. “There are different types of chocolate for your boss, a friend or loved one.”

In Japan, men do not give gifts to the women on Valentine’s Day, but instead wait until March 14, Jimenez said.

Kerri Brachear, a senior family and consumer sciences major, said she did not know the tradition of giving chocolates came from Japan.

“I think it is good to (know) because it broadens your knowledge,” Brachear said. “I didn’t know where all our traditions originated from.”

Posters have been placed all around the Union that present information about traditions from different countries.

Partenheimer said she liked the posters.

“I’ve read all of the different (signs) and I think it is really neat what others do in other countries,” Partenheimer said.

Karla Centeno, the cultural arts coordinator for the UB, said she likes the idea behind the gift giving.

“I think it is cool because here they focus on the guy giving the girl presents and (the Japanese) don’t,” Centeno said.

Carnations were also given out on Monday and Tuesday for people to give to their loved ones.

In Taiwan, the number of roses that a man gives a woman means a specific thing, Jimenez said.

In Taiwan one rose means “an only love,” 11 roses means “a favorite,” 99 roses means “forever,” and 108 roses means “marry me,” Jimenez said.

Mario McCart, a junior English major and a member of the cultural arts committee, said students can get ideas from other cultures.

“It brings uniqueness and with uniqueness different ideas for gifts,” McCart said. “We do candy and flowers, but some of these gifts are very personal.”

Victoria Michels, a senior marketing major, said she thinks it is important to know what countries celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“Valentine’s Day is not universally celebrated, but a day of love usually is,” Michels said. “After studying abroad, (I learned) it is important to know the customs because in one place it could be flattering, but in others it is insulting.”

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.