Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around the World!
Ever wonder what other countries celebrated Valentine’s Day and what their traditions are? I do, so I decided to do some research and share my findings. I found that some countries don’t necessarily celebrate on February 14th or call it Valentine’s Day, but they have their own twist to the holiday of love.
Japan’s Valentine’s Day Traditions
On February 14th only women give chocolates to their loved ones and co-workers. A month later, on March 14th, men return the favor on “White Day.” If a woman gives chocolate to non-romantic men on Valentine’s Day, it’s called “Giri-choko” or “obligation chocolate”, meaning a token of platonic affection or gratitude.
Finland
There’s not too much “pressure” for love when the Finnish celebrate their version of Valentine’s Day. Ystävänpäivä is the day when you celebrate your friends (it translates to “Friends Day”).
Brazil
Since Valentine’s Day lands in the middle of Carnival, the Brazilians celebrate Dia dos Namorados on June 12th. This “Day of Lovers” celebrates the feast day of the patron saint of romance and matchmaking. One of the many traditions has single women write down the names of the people they have crushes on, folding and mixing them up, and then picking one name out on June 12th. That name represents the person they should marry.
Romania
February 24th is the day of love for Romanians. Named Dragobete, this day celebrates love and spring. The traditions sound so nice – girls collect snow for magic potions while the boys and girls sing songs about spring. This is also the day known for when the “birds get betrothed” or when they start building their nests.
Thailand
Valentine’s Day is a big day to register for marriage licenses. Women travel to Trimurti shrine, praying that they will find their husband soon, while placing candles, incense and rad roses at the feet of the Hindu deity.
There are so many other traditions from around the world. Please share your traditions in the comments section!
Very interesting information. Thanks for sharing! I love learning about different cultures.
Glad you enjoyed it Cori!
I am in Greece. We celebrate Valentine’s day more as a tradition that has to do with getting dressed, buying a teddy and flowers. We actually have a different saint who is the saint of love (but his name escapes my mind at the moment).
What a wonderful tradition Joanna! I’d love to know the name of the saint so I can add this to my list!
wow! This is really interesting. I love reading more about other cultures and how they celebrate. I think Brazil’s sounds fun!
I agree that Brazil’s sounds like a lot of fun!
I really enjoyed reading about the Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world! My husband and I are so excited to celebrate White Day since we’re living in Japan. Traditionally, the man is supposed to give the woman a white gift and it’s supposed to be three times as valuable as the chocolate the women gives the man on Valentine’s Day lol talk about a double standard.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
These are really cool! I had no idea what it would be like in other countries. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Theresa!
Oh wow I didn’t realize it was celebrated around the world, they have interesting spins!
I agree – I love the different takes on the holiday!
oh this is is interesting. I think my favorite is the tradition is Japan. Though I wish the boys went first. Also what if you don’t like boys?
Good question – if you don’t like boys what does happen?
I really enjoyed reading this post and hearing other traditions around the world! My fiancé is Finnish and very proud of his culture so I shared this with him. Happy V day!
Wow, I’d love to hear about Finnish traditions! Happy Valentine’s Day to you too Chelsea!
Aww I love Romanias traditions!
Miche from Buttons and Birdcages
It’s so cool!!! thanks for stopping by Miche!
I found this all so very intriguing! My background as an English as a Second Language teacher and working with such diverse students always has me searching for more cultural info. Thanks for sharing!
Erin, you probably hear about such awesome traditions as an ESL teacher!
So interesting how other countries interpret and celebrate holidays…we are so Americanized and I love hearing about other customs
I agree with you – it is refreshing to hear about other interpretations of the same holiday!
I never knew about any of this! How interesting! It’s always great to learn how other countries celebrate holidays that we do.
This sounds so interesting and fun! I love reading about how others celebrate different events/festivals, thanks for sharing. Brazil seems so cute and fun while Thailand seems a bit intense.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Thailand’s tradition does seem a bit intense! Thanks for stopping by Kusum! 🙂
I love cupcakes! I want some 🙂
I loved reading all these traditions. I especially loved reading about Finland’s tradition. I have some Finnish background and theirs was my favorite celebration, as I’ve always loved the idea of focusing on friendship as opposed to romance. 🙂
I love the friendship focus as well!!