Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world

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Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the US, but it is celebrated in many parts of the world. Different customs and traditions are linked to Valentine’s Day in different countries, but one thing that never changes is that people always try to express their love.

February 14 is all about chocolates, Valentine cards and romantic dinners for the American people, but aren’t you curious how this holiday is celebrated around the world?

Maybe you’ll find a country where there’s a tradition that you just can’t live without – and maybe even plan a trip for Valentine’s Day and celebrate it in the local style. Here are some Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world.

UK

In the United Kingdom, Valentine’s Day is almost as big a deal as in the US. Gifts like flowers, chocolates, jewelry and cards are very common, but there’s something else than lovers in the British Isles sometimes do: write poetry!

And while not everyone can write Shakespearean verse for their beloved, any effort at a rhyme will be greatly appreciated. So why not put your lyrical talents to use and surprise your beloved with a stanza or two?

Italy

As in some other European countries, Valentine’s Day used to be a pagan Spring celebration in the past, and the current version of the holiday is seen as imported from the US, like Halloween. But that doesn’t stop your people from taking advantage of the holiday to profess their love, and spend outrageous amounts of money for dinners at fancy pizzerias or ristorantes.

A common gift is the Baci Perugina, a hazelnut covered in chocolate, with a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote inside.

Denmark

The young people of Denmark celebrate Valentine’s Day in a very conventional, yet charming manner. Special lover’s cards are sent, and while now there are many varieties, the traditional cards were transparent and held before a light they would show a picture of a couple. Pressed snow drop flowers are also traditionally given as presents.

Japan

Japan has a very elaborate etiquette when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Girls buy chocolate, or prepare it at home (the home made chocolates are the most appreciated), and they give them to their boyfriends or their crushes.

The celebration truly ends on March 14, called White Day, when it’s the boys’ turn to give chocolate to the girls. Chocolates are also given to coworkers and acquaintances, but these are called giri-choco, or ‘obligation chocolates’.

Korea

In Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the same way as in Japan, but in addition to Valentine’s Day proper and White Day, there’s also a Black Day on April 14, when singles get together and celebrate with Jajang noodles, which are black (and hence the name of the holiday).

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Comments on Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world

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Peter wrote on January 31, 2011:

Amazingly awesome facts about thanksgiving. here in Germany people don’t care about it too much and people think that the tradition really stems from our friends across the Atlantic. Anyhow, it’s nice to see the different traditions. Thanks for the wonderful post.
Peter

 

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