Valentine's Day Around The World
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Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, is observed worldwide. In the US, people often exchange candy, flowers, and gifts. Other countries have their own unique traditions, and some even celebrate love on a different date. Here are some fun Valentine's Day customs from around the world.
Japan
In Japan, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. "Giri choco," or "obligation chocolate," is given to friends and colleagues as a gesture of appreciation and respect. The more expensive "honmei choco," or "true-feeling chocolate," is reserved for romantic partners.
Men return the favor on White Day which is celebrated on March 14. The gifts can range from flowers to fine jewelry. But they are expected to be worth two to three times the value of the chocolates they received.
South Korea
Valentine’s Day in South Korea follows a three-part tradition. On February 14, women give gifts, often chocolate, to the men in their lives. Men return the favor on White Day, March 14, with presents like flowers, chocolates, or jewelry.
Singles who do not receive any gifts celebrate Black Day on April 14. Dressed in black, they gather to comfort each other while sharing a bowl of noodles cooked in black bean sauce.
Denmark
Loved ones in Denmark exchange handmade cards with pressed snowdrop flowers. Danish men often give women a "gaekkebrev," or "joke letter," containing a playful poem or rhyme. Instead of signing their name, the sender leaves a series of dots — one for each letter. If the recipient guesses who sent it, they get a chocolate egg on Easter Sunday. If they guess wrong, they have to give the sender a chocolate egg.
Wales
In Wales, Valentine's Day is celebrated on January 25 in honor of Saint Dwynwen. He is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Couples mark the occasion by exchanging handcrafted wooden spoons. These "love spoons" are engraved with symbols that have special meanings. For example, a horseshoe means good luck, while a Celtic knot represents everlasting love.
Slovenia
In Slovenia, St. Valentine is one of the saints of spring. According to custom, he brings "the keys of the roots" on February 14. This signals the start of the planting season.
The more traditional day for love in Slovenia is March 12, St. Gregory’s Day. This celebration was originally linked to spring and nature. Over time it has become associated with romance. On this day, gifts, chocolates, and flowers are often exchanged between loved ones.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Resources: Smithsonianmag.com, Wikipedia.org, learningenglish.voa.com, Rd.com, traveltriangle.com
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37 Comments
ilovebunnies7 daysI loved it I think that their different traditions were cool,but I also thought that it was weird that the women gave gifts to the men.
amazebestieslay13 daysAnything bad happen to anyone on Friday the 13th?
toshranku14 daysFrIdAy ThE 13TH 💀💀💀💀💀💀 😬😬
noahsro3214 daysHappy FRIDAY THE 13 💀💀💀💀
firewworks1214 daysHave fun on Valentine's Day
fetuwiwusaji14 daysFor some reason, I have NEVER fallen in love so I just give valentines to my siblings.
islayqueen14 dayshappy ❤ day!!!
einxpircerules14 daysok..... WHY DONT I LIVE IN JAPAN I WANT MY GIRLFRIEND TO GIVE ME MORE CHOCOLATE- ilovebunnies7 daysI agree with you 💯.
natalic_5555514 daysI wish I lived in japan- revamiryjedi15 daysDon't get me wrong, I enjoy Valentine's Day, and Christmas as well, but Halloween is personally my favorite holiday.
- amazebestieslay13 daysYessss ur so real for thatttt i love the candy and i get to drink hot cocoa and have sleepovers
