7 Valentines Day Traditions Around The World

Valentines Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world

Each culture having its own unique traditions for Valentines day While the holiday is often associated with romantic love, there are also plenty of customs and rituals that focus on friendship, family, and community. Here are 7 unique Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world that showcase the diversity of this beloved holiday.

Wales: St. Dwynwen’s Day

In Wales, Valentines Day is not the only day dedicated to love. On January 25th, the Welsh celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day, which honors the patron saint of lovers. One traditional custom involves exchanging love spoons, intricately carved wooden spoons that are given as tokens of affection. Each symbol on the spoon has a different meaning, such as a horseshoe for good luck or a cross for faith.

South Korea: Black Day

In South Korea, Valentines Day is just the beginning of a series of love-related holidays. On February 14th, women give chocolate to men, but the tables are turned on March 14th, known as White Day, when men give candy to women. For those who didn’t receive any gifts on either of these days, there’s Black Day on April 14th, when singles gather to eat jajangmyeon, a noodle dish with black bean sauce.

Finland: Friend’s Day

In Finland, Valentines Day is not just for romantic partners—it’s also an opportunity to celebrate friendship. Known as Ystävänpäivä, or Friend’s Day, February 14th is a time for people to show appreciation for their friends with cards, gifts, and gatherings. It’s a day to cherish all types of relationships, not just romantic ones.

Japan: Obligation Chocolate

In Japan, Valentines Day is a big business for chocolate companies, but the customs are a bit different than in the West. On February 14th, women are expected to give chocolates to men, including colleagues and friends, as a gesture of friendship or obligation. Then on March 14th, known as White Day, men are expected to return the favor by giving gifts to the women who gave them chocolates.

Denmark and Norway: Gaekkebrev

In Denmark and Norway, a unique Valentines Day tradition involves sending anonymous love letters called gaekkebrev. These letters are often decorated with intricate designs and puzzles, and the sender signs the letter with dots instead of their name. If the recipient guesses the sender’s identity correctly, they receive an Easter egg as a reward.

Estonia: Friend’s Day and Lovers’ Day

In Estonia, Valentines Day is known as Sõbrapäev, or Friend’s Day, and it’s a time to celebrate both friendship and romantic love. But the country also has another holiday called Sobrapaev, or Lovers’ Day, which falls on July 14th. On this day, couples exchange gifts and spend time together to reaffirm their love for each other.

Ghana: National Chocolate Day

In Ghana, Valentines Day is celebrated as National Chocolate Day, highlighting the country’s cocoa production and promoting the consumption of chocolate. This holiday encourages people to buy and enjoy locally made chocolate products while also supporting the cocoa industry.

These diverse Valentines Day traditions show that love can be celebrated in many different ways around the world. Whether it’s through romantic gestures, friendship celebrations, or chocolate consumption, the holiday brings people together to express their affection for one another. No matter where you are, there are countless ways to show love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day.