Valentine's Day Traditions Around the World

We've grown accustomed to celebrating Valentine's Day on February 14th — we even look forward to it. Don't ask how it evolved from a religious commemoration into a romantic holiday, because that part is a little complicated and still one big mystery.

Flowers, chocolates, gift boxes, greeting cards, and romantic dinners… All of these are a gift to our country from Hollywood. Do you think every country celebrates February 14th the same way? Here are some Valentine's Day traditions from around the world that will change your perspective and broaden your horizons.

BRAZIL
Just like us! In Brazil, Valentine's Day is also celebrated by giving flowers, jewelry, and various gifts to loved ones. But with one difference — their Valentine's Day falls on June 12th. On that day, which is also observed as St. Valentine's commemoration, people send cards to those they love. And in Brazil, what's a celebration without concerts, events, and shows? Valentine's Day is of course celebrated with a festival atmosphere.



BULGARIA
In Bulgaria, February 14th is St. Trifon Zarezan Day — also known as Winemakers' Day. People celebrate their love with their significant others over wine. And they don't forget to send each other cards.



DENMARK
Denmark only began celebrating Valentine's Day after 1990. People give white snowdrops to those they love — not just romantic partners, but friends too. Men write funny, playful letters to the women they care about. If the woman correctly guesses who sent the letter, she wins an Easter egg.



THE PHILIPPINES
On Valentine's Day, thousands of couples tie the knot in mass wedding ceremonies. These ceremonies are covered by the government as a public service.



FRANCE
France once had a popular Valentine's Day celebration that was eventually banned for causing extreme chaos. At this grand party called "Une Loterie D'Amour" (A Lottery of Love), coupled and single people gathered together. Men and women facing each other would call out names to find a match. If a man didn't like the person he was matched with, he could request a change. (No wonder it caused chaos!) Women, on the other hand, fully exercised their right to take revenge on men who rejected them. How? By throwing belongings and photographs of the person who rejected them into a large bonfire!



WALES
In Wales, Valentine's Day is celebrated on January 25th, dedicated to St. Dwynwen, the patron saint and founder of Wales. People also present each other with love spoons. Men carve symbols and shapes expressing their love onto wooden spoons for their soulmates.



GHANA
This cocoa-producing country has declared February 14th National Chocolate Day to boost tourism. Throughout the country, you can find chocolate-themed menus, exhibitions, and talks. People give each other small gifts — naturally accompanied by chocolate.



SOUTH AFRICA
On Valentine's Day, women "metaphorically" wear their hearts on their sleeves. They sew a piece of fabric bearing the name of the person who has captured their heart onto the sleeve of their clothing. This ancient tradition is called Lupercalia. This way, South African men get to find out who their secret admirers are.



SOUTH KOREA
On February 14th, women give chocolate gifts to those they love. In return, their loved ones give a non-chocolate gift on White Day, March 14th. If someone — man or woman — doesn't receive a gift on either February 14th or March 14th, they go to a Chinese restaurant alone on April 14th, Black Day, to eat black noodles in solitude. Additionally, in this country, the 14th of every month is considered a special love-themed day. In order, these are: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.



INDIA
Although there is some hesitation since it is a tradition imported from the West, a romantic festival is held in the country. People express their love by sending cards and giving gifts to those they care about. In India, people also buy gifts not only for their loved ones but also for their families and teachers.



ENGLAND
There is a tradition dating back to the old days. Women would place 5 bay leaves on their pillows — one at each corner and one in the middle — and fall asleep dreaming of their future husbands. If they didn't see him in their dream, they would repeat the same tradition the following year.



ITALY
In Italy, Valentine's Day is celebrated under the name of the Spring Festival. People of all ages meet their partners and loved ones in parks and gardens. During the days of this festival, they give chocolate as gifts to those they love. The bigger the chocolate, the greater the love is considered to be.



MEXICO
Just like the rest of the world, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Mexico. However, it is also known as a day to celebrate friendship. Known as "El Día del Amor y la Amistad" (The Day of Love and Friendship), gifts are given not only to romantic partners but also to family members and friends.