How is Valentine's Day celebrated across the globe

Hello dear readers,

As Valentine day is just around the corner, we can feel the love rising in the air.

Boys and girls, men and women celebrate their love on this special day.

People give gifts to their loved ones and show their affection openly on this day.

But people celebrate this day differently in various parts of the world and we are going to see just how in this this post.

But before diving into the rituals and traditions let us briefly see why is this day celebrated.

How did this day come into existence and what is the story behind Valentine day?

Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated?

Valentine’s Day originates from the life of Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who resided in Rome during the 3rd Century.

Numerous tales surround Saint Valentine, evolving over time into the legend recognized today.

During Valentine’s era, Rome experienced a significant wave of conversions to Christianity. However, Emperor Claudius II, a pagan ruler, enacted stringent laws regulating Christian activities.

Claudius advocated for Roman soldiers’ undivided loyalty to the empire and thus prohibited them from marrying.

Undeterred by these restrictions, Saint Valentine conducted clandestine Christian marriages for these soldiers, earning renown for his steadfast belief in love’s significance.

As Valentine’s actions came to light, he faced imprisonment for defying Claudius’s edicts.

While in captivity, he demonstrated compassion towards his fellow inmates and even towards the blind daughter of his jailer.

According to legend, Valentine miraculously restored the girl’s sight. It’s said that before his execution, Valentine penned a heartfelt message to the girl, signing it “from your Valentine.”

Valentine met his demise on February 14th in the year 270.

People choose to remember him on this day and celebrate this beautiful bond of love.

Valentine’s Day tradition and its celebration in various parts of the world

Although Valentine’s Day is recognized across numerous countries, diverse cultures have cultivated their unique customs for this celebration.

In certain regions, Valentine’s Day is not solely dedicated to romantic couples but also serves as an occasion for expressing love among family members and friends.

These traditions encompass gestures such as leaving sweets and presents for children and demonstrating appreciation between friends.

Let us see how this special day is celebrated by various people across the globe

1. The United States

Every year on February 14th, Americans commemorate Valentine’s Day by sending cards or letters, exchanging gifts like chocolates or flowers, and enjoying meals at restaurants.

For many adults, Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to lavish their loved ones with extravagant gifts, such as jewelry.

Additionally, it serves as a popular time for marriage proposals and weddings. Schoolchildren frequently participate in Valentine card and candy exchanges with their peers.

2. Valentine’s day in Japan

Breaking away from traditional gender roles, Japanese women are anticipated to splurge on Valentine’s Day, showering their partners with lavish gifts like expensive jewelry and chocolates.

However, the tradition of gift-giving doesn’t end there. On March 14th, known as White Day, Japan observes another holiday where men who have received gifts from women reciprocate the gesture.

The gifts exchanged during White Day vary, ranging from lingerie and sweets to jewelry and white chocolate.

3. South Africa

In South Africa, the expression “wearing your heart on your sleeve” takes on a literal meaning on Valentine’s Day.

People mark the holiday by attaching paper hearts bearing the name of their admirer to their clothing sleeves.

This act is done in the anticipation that the recipient will notice and perhaps respond with similar affection.

This tradition is often linked to Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival centered around fertility.

4. Valentine’s day and black day in Korea

During February, when Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, South Korean couples engage in a tradition of exchanging gifts.

Typically, women present chocolates to men, who then reciprocate with different gifts the following month on march 14.

South Korea also has a day for individuals who are single.

The individuals who are single obeserve“ Black day” on April 14 where they get dressed in all black attire.

These individuals go out to enjoy jajangmyeon ( black noodles) and black coffee on this particular day.

5. Italy

In Italy, “La Festa Degli Innamorati” celebrates Juno, the Goddess of Women and Marriage.

Legend has it that the first man a single woman sees on Feb. 14th could be her future husband.

Couples exchange the beloved Perugina Baci chocolates, adorned with romantic sentiments and delicious hazelnut or sweet cherry centers.

Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, transforms Valentine’s Day into a four-day extravaganza.

The Piazza dei Signori hosts free concerts, while heart-shaped lanterns illuminate the city.

Lovers can compete in love-letter writing contests, and foodies can savor special dinner menus at local restaurants.

6. Valentine’s day mass weddings in Philippines

Other than the normal norms of giving flowers and gifts to your loved one Philippines has a unique way of celebrating this special day.

In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is uniquely celebrated with a tradition known as “Mass Weddings.”

Mass weddings have become a distinctive practice among Filipinos during the love-filled month.

Government organizations arrange ceremonies where long-distance Filipino couples, living together, can tie the knot without financial concerns.

7. Roses and valentine’s day in Taiwan

Love is celebrated on two occasions in Taiwan: Valentine’s Day on February 14th and another on July 7th.

Similarly to other cultures, many Taiwanese men opt to express their affection with roses.

However, according to Taiwanese tradition, the color and quantity of roses carry significant meanings.

For instance, a red rose signifies “my only love,” eleven roses symbolize “my favorite,” 99 roses represent “forever,” and 108 roses convey the message “marry me.”

8. Gifting “Snow drop” flower on valentine’s day in Denmark

In Denmark the tradition of White Flower is cherished and celebrated with great affection and attention on valentines day.

According to custom, individuals express their sentiments by gifting white flowers, known as ‘snowdrops,’ to their friends and loved ones.

Young couples engage in the charming tradition of writing special love poems, romantic notes, and humorous verses known as ‘gaekkebrev.’

It’s customary for the sender of a gaekkebrev to craft a rhyme for their beloved without revealing their identity; instead, they sign the message with dots.

The recipient, usually a lady, must then guess the sender’s name.

If she successfully guesses the correct name, she earns an ‘Easter Egg’ as a reward for that year.

9. Gifting pigs on valentine’s day in Germany

In Germany, Valentine’s Day takes a unique twist with the exchange of gifts symbolizing affection and desire.

Among the customary offerings of chocolates and flowers, there’s a delightful addition: pigs.

Yes, pigs! These charming creatures embody notions of love and passion, offered to one’s beloved in various forms—be it a picturesque illustration, a dainty ornament, or even crafted from delectable chocolate.

Furthermore, love is sweetly expressed through intricately crafted heart-shaped gingerbread biscuits.

Adorned with tender sentiments like “Ich liebe dich” (translated as “I love you” in German), these delectable treats serve as edible declarations of adoration, adding a touch of romance to the celebration.

10. Valentine’s day not only for lovers but for friends too in Finland

In Finland, they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day like in other places.

Instead, they have something called Ystävänpäivä, which means “Friendship Day.”

On this day, which falls on February 14th, people focus on celebrating their friends and loved ones.

Instead of big romantic gestures, they give small gifts and tokens of appreciation to show how much they care.

It’s all about letting those close to you know how special they are.

That is all for How Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe. If you have a different way of celebrating share it with us in the comment section below.