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Valentine’s Day is a time to get with your special loved one and show them your love and appreciation. Normally, this might include giving them some chocolate and going out to dinner at a nice restaurant. However, depending on where you live, the tradition can be quite different. With that in mind, check out the top 10 Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world.
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#10. South Korea
Valentine’s Day traditions in South Korea seem very similar to the United States. On this day, women give chocolate to their Valentine. However, the biggest different is that the man doesn’t give back anything in return. At least on that day. Rather, the man gives a gift in return on March 14th, or White Day, as it is known in Korea.[1]The Diamond Store – 10 Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World However, if the women doesn’t receive anything on White Day, then on April 14th, or Black Day, she must to go a restaurant and order jajangmyeon, a type of Korean noodle in black sauce, in order to weep over her back luck in love.
#9. Wales
One of the most interesting Valentine’s Day traditions comes from Wales in the United Kingdom. First, rather than celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, they celebrated it on January 25th, or St Dwynwen (the Welsh patron saint of lovers) instead.[2]Intrepid Travel – 11 UNUSUAL VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD In addition, instead of giving chocolate to your loved one, men give beautifully carved wooden spoons, also known as ‘love spoons’ to their special someone.
This tradition is hundreds of years old. It comes from the days of 16th century sailors who would carve these beautiful spoons for their loves while they were out at sea.
#8. Brazil
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day coincides with Brazilian Carnival. As such, Valentine’s Day tends to be part of a bigger party. However, the Brazilian equivalent to Valentine’s Day is “‘Dia dos enamorados” (Lovers day) which falls on June 12th.[3]International TEFL Academy – Top 10 Valentine’s Day Celebrations Around the World While Teaching English Similar to American Valentine’s Day, they exchange cards, flowers, and chocolates. However, one of the biggest differences with Brazilian Valentine’s Day traditions is that there usually are big musical performances throughout the cities as well.
In addition, Brazilians also celebrate “Saint Anthony’s Day”, the patron saint of marriage. They like to perform many different rituals on this day in order to increase the changes of finding a good wife or husband.
#7. Romania
One of the most interesting Valentine’s Day traditions comes from Romania.
Romanians celebrate this day on February 24th. It is known as Dragobete, or “the day the birds are betrothed”.[4]boredpanda – 16 Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around The World It is actually a mixture of celebrating Spring and Valentine’s Day at the same time. Traditionally, on this day, boys and girls go into the forest to pick flowers. In addition, they will wash their faces with snow in order to symbolize happiness and good health.
#6. Japan
Japanese Valentine’s Day traditions are quite different from many western countries. On February 14th, women buy chocolates and gifts for their Valentines. However, men do not give anything in return. Rather, they must give gifts one month later on March 14th, or “White Day”.[5]Travel Triangle – 15 Valentine’s Day Traditions Around The World That Make The Day Of Love Special
#5. South Africa
South African women celebrate one of the most interesting Valentine’s Day traditions. On this day, women will pin the name of their Valentine on the sleeve of their shirt. However, this tradition didn’t actually originate in South Africa. In fact, it actually can find its roots in an ancient Roman festival called “Lupercalia” which was traditionally celebrated between February 13th and 15th.[6]cudoo – 10 VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITIONS TO GUARANTEE ROMANCE
#4. Denmark
Not all Valentine’s Day traditions have to be old. In fact, one of the cutest ones coming from Denmark, is actually quite new. The tradition actually mixes Valentine’s Day and Easter together. On Valentine’s Day, men send their Valentine a ‘gaekkebrev’ which is a piece of elaborately cut paper with a poem on it.[7]Wanderlust Storytellers – 10 Valentine’s Day Traditions All Around the World However, they do not write their name on it. The only clue as to who wrote the letter is the number of dots signed on it. These dots represent the number of letters in the name of the sender. If the women can guess correctly the name of the sender, she will get an Easter egg at Easter time. However, if she can’t then she owes the sender one.
Danish Valentine’s Day traditions don’t stop there though. Another popular tradition is instead of sending fresh roses to your Valentine, it is popular to send “Snowdrops”. These are actually pressed white flowers.
#3. Estonia
Not all Valentine’s Day traditions celebrate the love between a couple. In fact, in Estonia, they choose to focus on the love between friends on this day. Rather than celebrate Valentine’s Day, they call it Sõbrapäev, which means “Happy Friendship Day” instead.[8]List 25 – 25 Unique Valentine’s Day Facts And Traditions From Around The World On this day friends get together to party and celebrate by giving cards and thoughtful gifts to each other.
#2. Ghana
Ghana is one of the world’s biggest producers of cocoa. As such, chocolate is a very important part of their Valentine’s Day traditions. In fact, in Ghana the day is known as “National Chocolate Day”.[9]Talk to TIM – 10 Valentine’s Day traditions around the world The tourism ministry has actually taking advantage of this day in order to attract more tourists to the country by promoting chocolate themed museums and restaurants during this day.
#1. France
It is no surprise that some of the most interesting Valentine’s Day traditions come from France. In fact, the world’s first Valentine’s Day card was written in 1415 by the Frenchman, Charles, Duke of Orleans. While imprisoned in the Tower of London, he signed off on a letter to his wife as “Your Valentine”.
One of the most famous Valentine’s Day traditions in France was the loterie d’amour (drawing for love).[10]Big Think – 10 fascinating Valentine’s Day celebrations from around the world Men and women would fill two houses that faced each other and call out their lovers. However, if the men wanted to, they could ditch the women. As such, the unmatched women would later gather around the fire and burn pictures of those who rejected them and at the same time talk trash about them. In fact, they tended to do this with such enthusiasm, that later this tradition actually became banned!
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