When it comes to the day of underlying affection, aka Valentine’s Day, the world celebrates it in unique ways. Chocolates, cards and hearts are always evident, no matter the scale of the gesture shown. Little do people know this heartfelt day has roots tracing back to both historical and legendary origins.
Valentine’s Day is associated with Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who defied an emperor to marry couples in secret, and possibly linked to the Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia. Over time, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries, it evolved into a celebration of romantic love. Today, it’s widely celebrated as a day to express love and appreciate connections of all kinds.
There’s a love story unfolding in every corner of the world.
Perhaps, you can incorporate it in your connection(s) as an ode to your counterpart’s heritage; or, it could be a sweet and special way to endure togetherness. And here’s how unique Valentine’s Day traditions are in several countries…
Argentina
Argentinians aren’t content with just a single day to celebrate their fiery passion. Instead, they dedicate an entire week in July to “Sweetness Week”, where affection flows through the exchange of candies, kisses, and joy.
Brazil
While Brazil might not be celebrating Valentine’s on 14th February, as it’s far too close to the carnival festivities, 12th June marks Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day). This is a day for couples to swap gifts, cards, and sweets, and single ladies might even perform little rituals in hopes of catching the eye of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage.
Chile
The romantic energy isn’t confined to just 14th February in Chile. For days before and after, streets, shops, and malls burst with balloons and flowers, while couples exchange flowers, chocolates, cards, and sometimes even surprise trips or dazzling jewellery.
China
Valentine’s Day in China isn’t quite the same - Qixi Festival, or the “Chinese Valentine’s Day,” falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar. Rooted in a romantic legend, this day sees couples gifting each other tokens of affection, while some women even practice intricate crafts, hoping for a little extra luck in love.
Colombia
On 14th February, Colombia transforms into The Day of Love and Friendship. It’s less about romance and more about the bonds of friendship, with gifts exchanged anonymously.
Czech Republic
The prime day for celebrating love in the Czech Republic is 1st May, as young couples make a pilgrimage to the statue of famed poet Karel Hynek Mácha, where they kiss under cherry blossoms for good luck.
England
Valentine's celebrations span across regions, but one delightful constant is children singing special love songs for sweets, fruit, or even money. The tradition of baking Valentine’s buns with plums, raisins, or caraway seeds harks back to old harvest festivals.
France
Ah, France, the quintessential lover’s paradise. French couples indulge in the tradition of exchanging cards and love letters - a practice that dates back to the 15th century, when a Duke penned a poem to his beloved, calling her “My Valentine”.
Ghana
Chocolate takes centre stage on 14th February with National Chocolate Day. The celebration highlights the country’s position as a cocoa powerhouse, with concerts, special menus, and chocolate-themed events filling the day with delicious joy.
Germany
Love is celebrated with an unusual but endearing symbol: the pig! Couples exchange chocolates, flowers, and delightful pig-shaped gifts, from stuffed toys to figurines, alongside heart-shaped ginger cookies decorated with sweet love messages.
Ireland
Valentine’s Day has a spiritual twist. Many head to the Shrine of St. Valentine in Dublin, where the saint’s relics are said to lie, as they search for love or simply reflect on their connections.
Italy
Italy, known for its passionate spirit, can’t resist the allure of Valentine’s Day. Couples share gifts like the famous Baci Perugina (chocolate kisses filled with hazelnuts) and partake in a charming tradition where the first man a single woman spots on 14th February is said to be her future husband.
Japan
Valentine’s Day is all about chocolate. Women gift giri-choco (obligatory chocolate) to friends and coworkers, and save honmei-choco (true-feeling chocolate) for those they truly adore. The men return the gesture on White Day, a month later.
Philippines
Valentine’s Day is taken to the next level with mass weddings sponsored by the government. Dozens - sometimes hundreds - of couples exchange vows in this grand celebration of love.
Romania
Romania celebrates love in tandem with the arrival of spring on 24th February. Couples pick wildflowers, wash their faces in the snow, and sometimes even pop the big question as they celebrate the season’s rejuvenation.
South Africa
Love blooms with flowers, gifts, and playful traditions. Women wear the name of their crush on their sleeve - quite literally, as it’s a custom dating back to ancient Roman rituals, ensuring no secret admirers stay hidden for long!
South Korea
The romance of Valentine’s Day is paired with the return of the gesture on White Day - 14th March. Singletons can join the “Black Day” celebration in April, where they gather to eat jajangmyeon noodles, covered in black bean paste, to commiserate their single status.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s love affair with flowers is twice a year - on 14th February and 7th July - when men gift lavish bouquets. The most important? A bouquet of 108 roses, which carries the message: “Will you marry me?”
Thailand
Love reaches new heights - literally! Adventurous souls take the plunge with skydiving, bungee jumping, and underwater weddings on Valentine’s Day, making it the ultimate day for daring declarations of love.