For better or worse, Valentine’s Day is a big thing here in the United States. Stores make it easy by putting out decor, candy, and cute mugs right after Christmas. Jewelry companies air commercials that show singles getting engaged and married couples renewing their vows. Lifetime and Hallmark movies give us FOMO by ensuring that we get a glimpse of idyllic Valentine’s Day magic.
I wondered how other countries celebrated the day, or if they even celebrated at all. So, I did some research and found 10 interesting Valentine’s Day traditions around the world. Romantic, cute, and even quirky. Grab your glass of rosé and a piece of Ghirardelli chocolate and read on:
10 Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World
Jamaica
February is the month of romance and reggae in Jamaica. Two of Jamaican reggae’s late icons have birthdays in the month of February: Bob Marley (February 6) and Dennis Brown (February 1). The Jamaican Reggae Industry Association, through its Reggae Month Committee, puts on a series of events to celebrate love and reggae on Valentine’s Day and throughout the month of February.
Denmark
Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Denmark. The country began acknowledging and celebrating the holiday in the early 1990s. Instead of roses, sweethearts exchange Danish white flowers called snowdrops. Valentine’s Day cards that are given are called “Lover’s cards.” And men give women a “joking letter” called a gaekkebrev. It usually consists of a funny poem or rhyme written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots. When a woman who receives the gaekkebrev correctly guesses the sender, she earns herself an Easter egg later that year.
France
Valentine’s Day is huge in France. In fact, it has been said that France originated the tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards after Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Sorry, Hallmark, the Duke for the win! France also has a traditional event called the loterie d’amour or “lottery of love,” where men and women go into houses that face each other and then take turns calling out to one another and then pairing off. The women who were unmatched would gather for a bonfire and burn pictures of the men who had scorned them and hurl insults at them. The bonfire event became so volatile that the French government eventually had to ban the tradition altogether.
Philippines
The celebration of Valentine’s Day in the Philippines is pretty similar to the way we celebrate here in the States, but with one twist: A mass wedding ceremony occurs on February 14 and is sponsored by their government as a form of public service. This has gained popularity over the years, with hundreds of couples choosing to say their “I dos” or renew their vows at malls or other public spaces.
South Africa
Young girls pin the name of their love on their sleeve for the day. This tradition comes from a Roman festival called Lupercalia. How’s that for keeping your partner’s name close to your heart . . . literally.
Ghana
As the largest cocoa-producing country in the world, it would only make sense that in Ghana, February 14 is celebrated as National Chocolate Day. On this day, performances, music events, and restaurants center their offerings around this yummy treat.
Bulgaria
For vino lovers out there, Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria is called San Trifton Zartan which means “day of winemakers.” Couples celebrate the holiday with a glass of wine from local winemakers.
Brazil
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Dia dos Namorados, also known as Lovers Day. On this day, chocolates, cards, and flowers are exchanged. Family dinners are common as well as special music festivals and dance performances all in celebration of this day of love.
Slovenia
St. Valentine, one of the patron saints of spring, is honored in this country. In Slovenia, it is believed that on February 14, plants start to grow again after the harsh cold winter. There is also a belief that birds “propose” to one another on Valentine’s Day.
South Korea
In South Korea, on Valentine’s Day, the young couples buck tradition and turn the tables on the traditional holiday. The women gift their men with gifts, chocolates, candies, and flowers. The act can be ONLY be reciprocated by the men on March 14, a holiday known as White Day. And not to leave the singles out, they have a holiday called Black Day, which is celebrated on April 14. It is customary on this day for singles to mourn their singleness by eating dark bowls of jajangmyeon, black paste noodles.
Source: Travel Triangle
Whether you choose to go all out or just K.I.S.S (keep it simple, silly) for Valentine’s Day, I hope these traditions around the world gave you some inspiration to spend time this month focusing on the ones you love.
