Au Pair in America – Rhode Island

 Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the U.S. on February 14. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents. Common symbols of Valentine’s Day are hearts, red roses and Cupid.

Many people around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day by showing appreciation for the people they love or adore. Some people take their loved ones for a romantic dinner at a restaurant while others may choose this day to propose or get married. Many people give greeting cards, chocolates, jewelry or flowers, particularly roses, to their partners or admirers on Valentine’s Day.

It is also a time to appreciate friends in some social circles and cultures. For example, Valentine’s Day in Finland refers to “Friend’s day”, which is more about remembering all friends rather than focusing solely on romance. Valentine’s Day in Guatemala is known as Day of Love and Friendship. It is similar to Valentine’s Day customs and traditions in countries such as the United States but it is also a time for many to show their appreciation for their friends.

This year’s game features the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Green Bay Packers.  The Super Bowl is the annual American Football championship and a popular time for friends to gather in front of the TV. Each year millions of people watch the game, the half-time show – or just the commercials!  People will be talking about the commercials for days. To learn more about football visit the “Life in the US” section of the Au Pair in America website: http://aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/football.asp

Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based in science, it is a fun US tradition.  The movie, starring Bill Murray is hilarious!

Click here for some ideas for fun projects that you can get kids involved in to commemorate “Groundhog Day”: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/groundhogday/