Interesting Valentine's Day Traditions Around the World

Each year, February 14th brings Valentine’s Day—a day of celebrating friendships, partners, and love in all its forms. In the United States, the holiday is mainly celebrated by going to restaurants, exchanging presents, and buying flowers and candy. Each Valentine's Day, Americans spend around $21 billion, signifying how important it is to show loved ones how much they mean.

But what about Valentine's Day traditions in other parts of the world? Is the focus primarily on romantic relationships? While many countries have similar traditions to the United States, many also have their own unique celebration. In this article, we’ll look at the traditions and celebrations of Valentine's Day around the world.

How Is Valentine's Day Celebrated Around the World?

Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world as a day of love and romance, but different countries have their own specific ways of celebrating. Let’s look at some of those traditions from different countries:

Japan - In Japan, Valentine's Day is primarily a day for women to give chocolates to the men in their lives. The practice, known as giri-choco, is often directed toward male coworkers or friends rather than romantic partners. A month later, on White Day—each March 14th—men return the favor by giving gifts, typically white chocolate, to the women who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day.

South Korea - Similar to Japan, Valentine's Day in South Korea is also a day for women to give gifts to men, but it is also a day for couples to celebrate their love for each other. Many couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. On the 14th of April, also known as Black Day, single people gather together to eat Jajangmyeon (black bean paste noodle) and commiserate about their single status.

Italy - In Italy, Valentine's Day—known as La Festa Degli Innamorati—is a romantic holiday and is celebrated similarly to how it is in the United States. Couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. But, in Italy, there is also a tradition of giving baci perugina, or Perugina chocolates, which come with romantic phrases printed on the wrappers.

France - In France, Valentine's Day is known as La Saint-Valentin and is also a romantic holiday. French couples often exchange gifts and go on romantic dates, but one unique tradition is the giving of cartes d'amitié, or friendship cards, which are similar to Valentine's Day cards but are given to friends and family members as well as romantic partners.

Finland - Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä, in Finland, which translates to "Friend's Day." It is a day for celebrating all forms of love, not just romantic love. Friends, family members, and loved ones exchange gifts and cards to show appreciation for one another.

Brazil - Valentine's Day is known as Dia dos Namorados (Lover's Day) in Brazil, and couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. However, in Brazil, Saint Anthony is also known as the "Saint of Love" and is celebrated on June 13th. It is traditional for couples to exchange gifts and go to church on this day.

India - Valentine's Day has grown increasingly popular in India throughout the years, especially with the younger generations. Many people exchange gifts and go on romantic dates like in other countries, but the holiday has also faced severe backlash from certain religious groups holding traditional values. However, many Indians continue to celebrate the holiday and express their love to one another.

Overall, while Valentine's Day is primarily a holiday of romance and love, different countries have their own unique traditions. Some countries focus on romantic love, while others include the celebration of friendship and family.

No matter when, where, or how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, we wish you and your loved ones a happy time full of love and friendship!

At Tiyara, we are seeking to spread love, among others, to those who lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing higher educational scholarships that will make life-changing differences for these under-resourced young women and men. Scholarships are also extended to young women and men who have had their lives changed by discrimination because of crimes committed by their family members, others who  face discrimination because of their caste, and some who belong to indigenous populations living in remote areas.

You can help build your legacy of love by providing technology for our students, other education-related costs, or by putting a deserving young person through college!