10 Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World
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Loading... - Nathan Brooks
- 08 Feb 2023
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Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day of love on February 14. The tradition dates back to a festival in ancient Rome known as Lupercalia, which celebrated spring and fertility.
Valentine’s Day isn’t celebrated everywhere, though it’s gaining popularity worldwide thanks to global media and migration. Which countries celebrate Valentine’s Day? What are some of the sweetest Valentine’s traditions? Read on to discover more.
The roots of Valentine’s Day
The first known Valentine was sent by the Duke of Orleans from the Tower of London in 1415. At the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced the ancient Rome festival Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, naming the day after the patron saint of lovers.
In the United States, the modern holiday is associated with Hallmark greeting cards, images of Cupid, and gift-giving. That’s true elsewhere, too, but there’s far more than one way to celebrate across the globe.
10 special traditions for Valentine’s Day and other holidays of love
Since its introduction in Europe, Valentine’s Day has gone global. While not all countries participate, there are many that either celebrate Valentine’s Day with unique traditions or have their own holidays dedicated to love.
We think these Valentine’s Day traditions and celebrations of love, old and new, are among the sweetest and most surprising.
1. South Korea: Not just Valentine’s Day
For young South Korean couples, Valentine’s Day is very special, but it’s only one of many events dedicated to love. On February 14, women give gifts to men, consisting of flowers, chocolates, and candies. The men return the favor on March 14, a day known as “White Day.”
Singles aren’t left out, either, though their dedicated day is a tad bitter. On April 14, known as “Black Day,” single people gather with friends to eat jajangmyeon black noodles, and some even wear black to mourn their single status.
However, South Korea shifts the focus back to love on June 14, which is the “Day of Kisses.”
2. Italian traditions new and old
A long time ago, Italians celebrated Saint Valentine’s Day as part of the Spring Festival. Lovers would gather in gardens, reading poetry and sharing music with one another.
Another tradition in Italy encouraged young unmarried girls to awaken early, as it was said the first man they spotted before dawn would be their husband within the year. In Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, locals decorate the squares with heart-shaped lanterns.
Italy now celebrates Valentine’s Day in a more modern manner.
Couples plan romantic dinners and almost always gift Baci Perugina to one another, which is an Italian candy made from chocolate-covered hazelnuts. The candy wrapper even includes a romantic quote in four different languages. Read More…
