Valentine’s Day is widely recognised as a day of love and romance.
However, different cultures around the world have their own unique traditions and customs associated with the holiday.
While some countries follow the Western tradition of exchanging gifts and romantic gestures, others have developed distinct ways of celebrating love.
Take a look…
1. Japan
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a unique way: women take the lead in expressing their affection. They gift chocolates to men, with different types of chocolates signifying different relationships.
- Giri-choco (obligation chocolate) is given to male colleagues and friends.
- Honmei-choco (true love chocolate) is reserved for significant others.
A month later, on 14 March, Japan celebrates White Day, when men reciprocate the gifts, often with white-themed presents like marshmallows or white chocolates.
2. South Korea
South Korea extends the tradition even further with three consecutive months of celebrations:
- 14 February (Valentine’s Day): Women give chocolates to men.
- 14 March (White Day): Men return the favour with gifts.
- 14 April (Black Day): Singles who didn’t receive any gifts gather to eat jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) as a way to console themselves.
3. France
France, often regarded as one of the most romantic countries in the world, has deep historical ties to Valentine’s Day. In medieval times, the “loterie d’amour” (drawing for love) was a practice where singles would call out to one another and pair up.
While this tradition was eventually banned, modern celebrations in France include exchanging flowers, love letters, and romantic dinners. The city of Paris, known as the “City of Love,” also becomes a hotspot for couples worldwide on this day.
4. Italy
In Italy, Valentine’s Day has historical roots dating back to the Roman festival Lupercalia, which was a fertility celebration. Today, the country observes La Festa degli Innamorati, where couples exchange gifts, flowers, and chocolates. A popular tradition involves lovers writing love notes (similar to Juliet’s letters in Verona) and attaching locks to bridges as symbols of eternal love.
5. Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is a relatively new tradition but has unique customs. Instead of traditional red roses, Danes exchange snowdrop flowers as tokens of love. Men also send “Gaekkebrev”, witty and anonymous love poems, to women. If the recipient correctly guesses the sender’s identity, she receives an Easter egg later in the year.
6. The Philippines
One of the most heartwarming traditions takes place in the Philippines, where mass wedding ceremonies are held on Valentine’s Day. Hundreds or even thousands of couples tie the knot in government-sponsored events, making it a significant day for both love and commitment. This tradition is particularly popular because it helps couples save money while still having a grand celebration.
7. Ghana
In Ghana, one of the world’s largest cocoa producers, 14 February is officially recognized as National Chocolate Day. The government introduced this initiative to promote the country’s cocoa industry while also encouraging people to celebrate love with locally made chocolates. Festivals, music events, and chocolate tastings make this celebration both romantic and patriotic.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Let us know by leaving a comment below…
