Valentine's Day Around the World: Strange and Romantic Love Customs

When it comes to Valentine's Day, many people immediately think of roses, chocolates and romantic confessions, but around the world , Valentine's Day has extremely unique and interesting colors.

Bronze statue of Eros, the god of love, in Tokyo. (Photo: Alamy Stock)

Valentine's Day on February 14 is an occasion for couples around the world to express their love for each other. However, not all countries celebrate Valentine's Day in the traditional way with roses and chocolates.

In many countries, Valentine's Day has interesting customs, reflecting the unique cultural identity of each country. Let's explore the unique traditions of this holiday in some countries around the world.

Japan: Women give gifts first, men reciprocate later

Japan has two Valentine’s Days: Red Valentine (February 14) is the day when women express their feelings to men. On this day, women will give “Honmei-choco” chocolate to their loved ones.

A box of cookies for Japan's White Valentine's Day. (Photo: Shutterstock)

A month later, March 14th is White Valentine, the day when men “return the favor” to the girls who gave them chocolates earlier. Usually, they will give their women white chocolate or white gifts as a sign of their affection.

South Korea: There are 3 Valentine's Days

Similar to Japan, Korea also has February 14 - Red Valentine: Women give gifts to men; March 14 - White Valentine: Men give gifts in return; and an additional Black Valentine's Day April 14 dedicated to single people.

On Black Valentine's Day, April 14, those who have not found their other half will gather with friends and eat black bean noodles (Jajangmyeon) - a typical black dish, symbolizing the "sadness" of the FA community.

Korean singles often eat jajangmyeon on Black Valentine's Day, April 14. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

But in fact, this is also an opportunity for them to enjoy their single life and sometimes, who knows, they might find their other half in these gatherings.

Denmark: The mysterious letters

In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is not all about roses and chocolates. Instead, people often give snowdrops (white hyacinths) – an elegant flower that symbolizes the innocence and purity of love.

An anonymous love letter (Gaekkebrev) on Valentine's Day. (Photo: telegrafi)

In addition, Denmark also has another interesting tradition which is “Gaekkebrev ”. - anonymous love letters. The sender will write a poem or a romantic message but will not sign his name, leaving only dots representing the number of letters in his name.

If the recipient guesses the sender's identity correctly, they will receive an Easter egg in April. This makes Valentine's Day in Denmark full of mystery and excitement.

Slovenia: Valentine's Day is associated with the harvest season

In Slovenia, February 14 is considered the ideal day to work in the fields because Saint Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. They believe that on this day, the birds in the fields will confess their love to their children and “get married.”

Slovenians celebrate Valentine's Day a month later, on St. Gregory's Day, which falls on March 12.

Brazil: No Valentine, but there is Lovers' Day

While most countries around the world celebrate Valentine's Day in February, in Brazil, Valentine's Day falls on June 12, known as "Dia dos Namorados" (Day of Lovers).

Brazilians celebrate Valentine's Day on June 12. (Photo: AFP/Getty)

This day takes place before the feast of St. Anthony, the patron saint of marriage. Couples exchange gifts such as flowers and chocolates and attend romantic parties.

As for single people, they will pray to Saint Anthony to soon find their other half.

Finland and Estonia: Valentine's Day is Friendship Day

In these two Nordic countries, February 14 is not only for couples in love but also known as "Friendship Day". Friends give each other cards, flowers and spend time together. This is an occasion for people to express gratitude and appreciation for the loved ones in their lives, from friends, colleagues to family.

A special thing in Estonia is that on this day, singles can join "love buses" where they have the chance to make friends and even find their other half during this romantic journey.

Philippines: Massive wedding ceremony on February 14

In the Philippines, February 14 is not only a date for couples to date, but also a day for extremely grand mass weddings. Hundreds, even thousands of couples will exchange vows in a large ceremony sponsored by the government or organizations.

Couples kiss during a mass wedding ceremony on February 14 in the Philippines. (Photo: Getty)

This event not only helps couples with limited financial resources to hold their weddings but also creates a very special and meaningful atmosphere. The image of hundreds of happy couples holding hands and entering married life is truly a beautiful symbol of love.

Although celebrated in different ways, Valentine’s Day around the world has one thing in common: it celebrates love and human connection. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic Valentine’s Day with your loved one, celebrating your best friendship, or simply loving yourself, this is a special occasion to express and spread love.

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