LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP DAY

LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP DAY
By. RodriguezUc

Colombians like many Latin American people have chosen the third weekend in September to celebrate the Day of Love and Friendship. The tradition of exchanging presents is celebrated in different parts of the world in different days; for example:
- In the US, it is celebrated on February 14 and it is called San Valentine.
- In Argentina, it is celebrated in July and it is called “Dia de los Enamorados”
- In Bolivia, it is celebrated in September and it is known as the day of the Student or The Spring Day.
- In China, Qi Qiao Jie (Day of the Skills) It is celebrated the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar.
- In Japan the celebration is promoted by the chocolate company Morozoff.
- In Central America, It is known as “Dia del Carino” and it is also celebrated in September.
The Day of Love and Friendship in Colombia began in 1969. During the Day of Love and Friendship Colombians play “Amigo Secreto” – “Secret Santa” the days before the 19th, friends give candies or chocolates as well as clues to find out who the secret friend is. Love and Friendship Day also brings the opportunity to share with friends. Some people go to restaurants, discos or attend a live concert. Although celebrating love and friendship is a business, some people find it as a perfect opportunity to show how much they care for their loved ones. There are two common gifts in Colombia: music and roses but what do they mean? What else is common?
ROSES:
Roses are always related to love however the color of roses have a different meaning:
Red roses: expression of sincere love
Pink roses: thank you for your friendship
Yellow roses: I care for you
White roses: I admire you (in secret)
MUSIC:
Love songs are very popular. The songs “El Camino de la Vida” by Hector Ochoa and “La Mujer que yo Quiero” by Juan Manuel Serrat and “Somos Novios” by Armando Manzanero were chosen as the most popular for the Day of Love and Friendship.

PROVERBS:
Writing notes is also usual. There are some friendship proverbs:
"Books and friends should be few but good."
"A friend in need is a friend indeed."
- Latin Proverb
"A good friend is my nearest relation."
"God defend me from my friends; from my enemies I can defend myself."
"Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes."
SONGS:

Many known singers have belted out songs on friendship, the following is a list of famous friendship songs:
Ben by Michael Jackson, 1972.
Friends Never Say Goodbye by Elton John- 2000
I'll Be There for You by ‘The Rembrandts’ -1995.
Lean On Me by Bill Withers – 1972
That's What Friends Are For by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager – 1982
You've got a Friend by Carole King 1971


SAYINGS:
First Top-10 List of Friendship Sayings
#1 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
It is better in times of need to have a friend rather than money.
— Greek proverb
#2 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
When you are looking for a best friend, don't look for perfection; just look for friendship.
— Author Unknown
#3 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
A true friend wants nothing more from you than the pleasure of your company.
— Author Unknown
#4 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
Heaven must be an awfully dull place if your best friends end up elsewhere.
— Author Unknown
#5 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing
it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
— Author Unknown
#6 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
Best friends are the most important ingredient in the recipe for a happy and fulfilled life.
— Author Unknown
#7 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
My wife ran off with my best friend, and I sure do miss him.
— Author Unknown
#8 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
A mere friend will agree with you, but a real friend will argue.
— Russian Proverb
#9 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
Money might make you wealthy, but friends make you rich.
— Author Unknown
#10 of Top Ten Friendship Sayings
Best friends are those who, when you show up at their door with a dead body, say nothing, grab a shovel, and follow you.
Author Unknown

YOUR TURN!
What does friendship mean to you?
What does love mean to you?
How do you celebrate Love and Friendship Day?