Valentine’s Day in the U.S is typically associated with assortments of chocolates, red roses, and romantic dates, but around the world, people celebrate love in many different and unique ways. From all over the world, here are some Valentine’s Day traditions that go beyond the typical idea of the holiday.
In South Korea, love is not solely limited to just one day, but an ongoing celebration, each a month apart. On February 14th, women traditionally give chocolate to men. A month later, on March 14th, which is known as White Day, men return the favor with resembling gifts, such as white chocolate or flowers. And for those who don’t receive anything, April 14th, known as Black Day, is for anyone single. They gather to eat bowls of black bean noodles (jjajangmyeon) as a way to embrace being single.
Wales has a unique Valentine’s tradition involving intricately carved wooden spoons that have been symbols of affection since the 17th century. Young men would handcraft these spoons, decorating them with meaningful symbols like hearts, keys, and knots, before gifting them to their partners as a sign of devotion. Originally a courtship gesture, love spoons are now keepsakes exchanged on special occasions.
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is not only a celebration of love but also a chance for many couples to fulfill their dream of getting married. Each year, the government organizes mass weddings across the country, where couples are given the opportunity to tie the knot and devote themselves to their partners. Everything is provided for them, from the venue to the wedding rings, making this a meaningful way for couples to celebrate their love.
Norway features a fun tradition called “gaekkebrev,” where secret admirers send funny poems to the person of their affection. The sender’s identity is hidden, with each letter of their name represented by a dot. If the recipient can correctly guess who sent the poem, she will be gifted an Easter egg on Easter. If she’s unable to figure it out, the admirer reveals himself, and she must give him an egg in return.
In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as “Sobrapaev,” similar to America’s idea of “Galentine’s.” It is a day dedicated to all kinds of love, not just romantic relationships. Rather than focusing only on couples, this holiday encourages people to show appreciation for family members and friends as well. It’s essentially a “Friendship Day,” where Estonians exchange cards, small gifts, and spend quality time with all loved ones.
No matter where you are in the world, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in all its forms. Each culture brings its own unique twist to expressing affection from romantic gestures to acts of kindness between friends and family. These global traditions remind us that love knows no boundaries and is something to be cherished.
