Candy hearts, big boxes of chocolate and pastel-colored stuffed animals on the store shelves let us all know that Valentine’s Day is here. Sure a card, flowers, and a nice dinner out all are among the typical plans of many, but Valentine’s Day often looks a lot different in other countries.
Here’s how this day of love is celebrated throughout the world.
Denmark
Valentine’s Day has only been celebrated in Denmark since the 1990s. Flowers are given but in the form of snowdrops, which are essentially just white flowers that have been pressed. Lover’s cards are sometimes given instead of greeting cards. They are transparent and have a picture of the giver in them. Men give women a “joking letter” called a gaekkebrev. It’s a rhyme or funny poem and signed with dots that are anonymous. The woman who receives it is supposed to try to guess who the sender is. If she guesses correctly, she will earn an Easter egg.
Slovenia
Valentine’s Day in Slovenia is less about love and more about growth. On February 14th, Slovenians plant seeds and have the belief that this is the day that birds get engaged to one another. Kids even get into the Valentine’s Day spirit by making small boats out of paper or wood, putting a candle inside, and placing them in the river. This is supposed to symbolize that the days are longer and work lights are no longer needed.
England
Women who are single right before Valentine’s Day in England will put five bay leaves on top of their pillows, with one in the center and the other ones in the corners. By doing so, these leaves are supposed to bring dreams to the women that reveal their future husbands. Children also get into Valentine’s Day as well. They wait to hear Old Father Valentine knock on their door. Then they go outside to find gifts and candies on their porch. Valentine’s Day is fun for adults and kids alike in Norfolk, Britain. Each year, a person is chosen to be Jack Valentine, and he leaves candy and presents on people’s doorsteps. Then, he knocks on the door and runs away before anyone can see who he is. On this day, it ends up being quite the celebration, and recipients tend to hang around town showing each other what they got from Jack.
France
Being that France is one of the world’s most romantic cities, it makes sense that this day would be filled with romance. Valentine’s Day is all about love, exchanging gifts, and being with your significant other. In the past, there was something called loterie d’amour, or “drawing for love.” Men would gather in one house, and women would gather in another house that faced the men’s house. Those in the houses would take turns calling out to each other and then pair off. Women who didn’t find a match would go to a bonfire afterwards, where they would burn pictures of men who had done them wrong. Eventually, these bonfires were banned because they got out of hand. In recent years, couples used to attach a padlock at the “love lock bridge” and throw the key in the River Seine. Sadly the locks were removed in 2015. Now French couples exchange beautiful love notes called cartes d’amities, as well as planting trees to commemorate love.
Philippines
Valentine’s Day celebrations in the Philippines are similar to those in the United States. One thing that’s really catching on is getting married on this day. These aren’t the traditional ceremonies that we’re used to, but weddings as a group. Hundreds of couples gather together in public areas, such as malls, and have one mass wedding ceremony.
South Korea
Young lovers really get into Valentine’s Day in South Korea. In fact, starting in February and lasting through April, there is some sort of celebration each month. On February 14th, women give men chocolate, flowers, and candies. White Day, which falls on March 14th, is when men give their ladies gifts, chocolates, and flowers. There’s even a day for those that don’t have a sweetheart: Black Day. This occurs on April 14th, and singles sit alone and eat black bean paste noodles called jajangmyeon.
Wales
Those in Wales don’t technically celebrate Valentine’s Day, but they celebrate a very similar day on January 25th called Saint Dwynwen. One of the most romantic gifts given isn’t chocolate or jewelry, but a wooden love spoon. Welsh men carve intricate designs into these spoons to symbolize love for their significant other.
Brazil
Due to the annual Carnival held each February or March, the Brazilians do not celebrate February 14th, but rather “Lover’s Day,” a/k/a Dia de los Namorados, is celebrated June 12th. In addition to the usual exchanges of chocolates, flowers, and cards, music festivals and performances are held throughout the country.
Keep in mind there is nothing more romantic than traveling and exploring new places together. If you don’t know where to start, we have a series of blogs on romantic destinations throughout the U.S.
