Posted by 
Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, associated with the feeling of love and affection. While most people relate it to romantic dinners, chocolates, and roses, it has different traditional ways of being celebrated around the world. Some countries emphasize friendships, while others have customs that go beyond romance. Let’s take a look at how Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world.
1. Japan – A Day of Chocolate and White Day Follow-Up
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a little different from the Western tradition. On February 14th, women give chocolates to men. There are two types of chocolates:
- Giri-choco (Obligation Chocolate) – Given to friends, coworkers, and acquaintances as a kind gesture.
- Honmei-choco (True Feelings Chocolate) – Given to romantic partners or someone special.
A month later, on March 14th, Japan celebrates White Day, when men return the favor by giving gifts, usually white-colored treats, jewelry, or other presents.
2. South Korea – Love Celebrations Every Month
South Korea takes romantic celebrations to another level by having not just one, but several love-themed days throughout the year. Like Japan, women give chocolates on February 14th, and men respond on White Day (March 14th). But there’s also:
- Black Day (April 14th) – A day for singles who didn’t receive any gifts. They gather and eat jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) together.
- Kiss Day (June 14th) – Couples celebrate by sharing kisses.
- Pepero Day (November 11th) – Though not a Valentine’s event, people exchange Pepero sticks (a snack similar to Pocky) to show love and friendship.
3. France – The Country of Love and Romantic Traditions
France, often called the most romantic country in the world, has a long history of love celebrations. One of its past traditions, “Loterie d’Amour” (Love Lottery), involved single men and women calling out to each other and pairing up. If a man was not interested, the woman could burn an image of him in a bonfire! This practice was later banned.
Today, Valentine’s Day in France is more like a classic romantic holiday, with couples exchanging love letters, chocolates, and flowers. Many couples also enjoy candlelit dinners in the country’s charming cafés and restaurants.
4. Denmark – Flowers, Fun Letters, and Secret Admirers
In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is a relatively new tradition, but it has a unique twist. Instead of red roses, snowdrop flowers are exchanged between loved ones. Another fun custom is “gaekkebrev” – a playful letter written in rhyme, often sent anonymously. The recipient must guess who the sender is. If they guess correctly, they receive a chocolate egg at Easter!
5. Brazil – “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day) in June
Instead of celebrating on February 14th, Brazilians celebrate “Dia dos Namorados“ on June 12th. This day is dedicated to love, with couples exchanging gifts, chocolates, and flowers. The next day, Saint Anthony’s Day (June 13th), is a time when single people pray to Saint Anthony, the patron of marriage, hoping to find love.
6. Philippines – Mass Weddings on Valentine’s Day
One of the most popular Valentine’s traditions in the Philippines is the mass wedding ceremony. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of couples get married in large, public events on February 14th. These ceremonies are often sponsored by the government, allowing couples to have a beautiful wedding without the high costs. The day is filled with celebrations, music, and of course, love.
7. Finland & Estonia – A Day for Friends, Not Just Romance
In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is called “Friend’s Day” (Ystävänpäivä in Finland, Sõbrapäev in Estonia). Instead of focusing only on romantic relationships, people celebrate friendships by exchanging cards, chocolates, and small gifts with friends and loved ones. In Estonia, there is also a fun tradition where singles can take part in “love buses”, hoping to meet someone special.
8. Wales – The Unique Love Spoons Tradition
In Wales, Valentine’s Day is not the main celebration of love. Instead, people celebrate Saint Dwynwen’s Day on January 25th. One of the most charming traditions is the exchange of love spoons – intricately carved wooden spoons given as a symbol of affection and commitment. Each spoon has different symbols, such as hearts, locks, or keys, representing love and promises.
9. South Africa – Wearing Your Crush’s Name on Your Sleeve
In South Africa, one of the most interesting customs is inspired by the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia. On Valentine’s Day, some women wear the name of their crush pinned to their sleeve, letting others know who they admire. This is an old tradition, but some still follow it. Romantic dinners, flowers, and music-filled celebrations are also popular across the country.
10. China – Qixi Festival: The Love Story in the Stars
In China, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Qixi Festival (Seventh Night Festival), which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (usually in August). This festival is based on an ancient love story about a weaver girl and a cowherd who were separated by the Milky Way and could only meet once a year. Couples celebrate by praying for love, making wishes, and exchanging small gifts.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day may have started as a Western tradition, but it has been embraced in many cultures, each adding its own unique touch. Whether it’s giving chocolates in Japan, celebrating friendship in Finland, or getting married in mass weddings in the Philippines, the holiday continues to bring people together in different ways.
No matter where you are in the world, Valentine’s Day is about showing appreciation to those you care about—whether it’s a partner, a friend, or even yourself!
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day in your country? Let me know!
This article is written by a guest author
