Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14, is often associated with roses, chocolates, and grand romantic gestures. However, different cultures worldwide have unique ways of celebrating love and affection. From poetic expressions to mass weddings, here’s a look at some of the most fascinating Valentine’s Day traditions from across the globe.
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a twist—women are the ones who give chocolates to men. Different types of chocolates signify various relationships. Giri-choco (obligation chocolate) is given to male colleagues and acquaintances, while honmei-choco (true love chocolate) is reserved for romantic partners. Men return the favour on March 14, known as White Day, by giving gifts, usually white chocolates or other presents.
In South Korea, love is celebrated yearly with special days each month. On February 14, women give chocolates to men, similar to Japan. On March 14, white day, men reciprocate with gifts. But even more unique is Black Day on April 14, when singles gather to eat jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) to console themselves for not receiving any gifts in the previous months.
Danish Valentine’s Day traditions include exchanging gaekkebrev, humorous and poetic love notes. These are often sent anonymously, signed with dots instead of a name. If the recipient correctly guesses the sender, they win an Easter egg later in the year. Besides, Danes exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops instead of the typical red roses.
In Wales, Valentine’s Day is not the main celebration of love. Instead, the Welsh celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. One of the most romantic customs involves the giving of handcrafted wooden love spoons. Dating back to the 17th century, these intricately carved spoons are decorated with symbols representing love and commitment, making them treasured keepsakes.
Valentine’s Day takes a backseat in Brazil, as the country’s carnival often coincides with February 14. Instead, Brazilians celebrate Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day) on June 12. The festivities include romantic dinners, gift exchanges, and music. The date was chosen in honour of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, and many single people perform rituals to find a partner.
China’s version of Valentine’s Day is the Qixi Festival, celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (usually in August). This festival is based on the ancient legend of the weaver girl and the cowherd, star-crossed lovers allowed to meet only once a year. Young couples celebrate by exchanging gifts, while unmarried women pray for a good husband and demonstrate their domestic skills, such as weaving or embroidery.
In South Africa, young women follow an ancient Roman tradition known as Lupercalia by pinning the names of their crushes to their sleeves. Some men also partake in this practice. It’s a bold way to declare admiration, leading to many new romantic relationships. Restaurants and public spaces are decorated lavishly, and couples enjoy romantic getaways and feasts.
France, often considered the world's romance capital, once had a now-banned Valentine’s Day tradition called loterie d’amour (drawing for love). Single men and women would enter houses opposite each other and take turns calling out names until they were paired. If a man was unhappy with his match, he could abandon her, leading to women gathering around a bonfire to burn images of men who rejected them. The practice was banned due to its chaotic nature, but France celebrates Valentine’s Day with romantic dinners and grand gestures.
Mass wedding ceremonies often mark Valentine’s Day in the Philippines. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of couples tie the knot in public spaces in a government-sponsored event. This allows many couples to have a beautiful wedding without the high costs. The event is a heartwarming spectacle, emphasising love and unity.
In Italy, couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with traditional gifts like Baci chocolates with romantic messages inside the wrappers. Some couples also partake in the “love locks” tradition, writing their names on padlocks, attaching them to bridges, and throwing the keys into the river to symbolise eternal love.
