Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around the World

Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways around the world, and different cultures have their own unique traditions to express love and affection. Here are 15 Valentine's Day traditions from different parts of the world:

Japan - White Day: In Japan, Valentine's Day is traditionally a day for women to give chocolates to men. A month later, on March 14th, men reciprocate by giving gifts, typically white chocolates, on a day known as White Day.

 
South Korea - Black Day: On April 14th, singles in South Korea who didn't receive gifts on Valentine's Day or White Day gather to eat Jajangmyeon, a dish with black bean sauce, and commiserate with each other.

 
Wales - Love Spoons: In Wales, it's a tradition for men to carve intricate wooden spoons, known as love spoons, and present them to their loved ones on Valentine's Day as a symbol of their affection.

 
Italy - Love Locks: In Italy, couples express their love by attaching padlocks to bridges and throwing the key into the water, symbolizing the permanence of their love.

 
Brazil - Dia dos Namorados: Brazilians celebrate their version of Valentine's Day on June 12th, known as Dia dos Namorados. It is marked by exchanging gifts, cards, and romantic gestures.

 
South Africa - Valentine's Day Protest: In South Africa, some women wear their hearts on their sleeves, quite literally. Women pin the names of their love interests on their shirtsleeves, often leading to public declarations.

 
France - "Une Loterie d'Amour" (Love Lottery): In 17th-century France, men and women would draw names from a bowl to determine their Valentine. This tradition sometimes led to long-term relationships.

 
Denmark - Gaekkebrev: Danish people send anonymous love letters called "Gaekkebrev" on Valentine's Day. The sender writes a funny poem and signs it with dots instead of their name. If the recipient guesses the sender's identity, they receive an Easter egg later in the year.

 
Philippines - Mass Weddings: On Valentine's Day in the Philippines, mass weddings are organized where hundreds or even thousands of couples get married in a ceremony sponsored by the government or local authorities.

 
Mexico - "El Dia del Amor y la Amistad" (Day of Love and Friendship): In Mexico, Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love but also celebrates friendship. People exchange gifts with both their romantic partners and friends.

 
Finland and Estonia - Friendship Day: In these countries, Valentine's Day is also known as "Ystävänpäivä" in Finland and "Sõbrapäev" in Estonia, translating to Friendship Day. People exchange cards and gifts with friends, not just romantic partners.

 
Scotland - Valentine's Day Poetry: In Scotland, it's a tradition for young people to celebrate Valentine's Day by reciting poetry to their loved ones.

 
Ghana - National Chocolate Day: In Ghana, Valentine's Day coincides with National Chocolate Day. Couples exchange chocolate gifts, and the day is also used to promote the local cocoa industry.

 
Argentina - "Dia de los Enamorados" (Lovers' Day): Argentinians celebrate Valentine's Day, but the entire week leading up to it is dedicated to love, with each day having a specific theme.

 
India - Flower Market Rush: In many parts of India, especially in metro cities, flower markets witness a rush on Valentine's Day as people buy flowers to express their love for their partners.

 
These traditions showcase the diversity of expressions of love and affection on Valentine's Day across the globe.