Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and couples are trying to figure out how to dole out the most romantic of gifts or dinner dates. But did you ever consider how people in other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day? Well, learn about their different cultural practices and please your partner overseas!
One of the world’s more popular holidays, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by individuals showing love and affection for their significant others with flowers, cards, candy, and elaborate dinners. However, according to traditional customs of many regions around the world, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance – it also marks an exchange of presents between friends, family members, and even small children. People purchase great Valentine’s day gifts under $100 as presents for their closest friends as a sort of holiday tradition.
To make things easier while trying to show someone special how much you care on February 14th (or any day at all), check out some of these interesting facts about Valentine’s Day customs around the world!
- Denmark
In Denmark, people love to celebrate Valentine’s Day – but not by just going on a romantic date or buying extravagant gifts. Instead, they express their affections by celebrating Single’s Awareness Day too!
Yes, that means that couples and singles alike spend the day thinking about those who don’t have significant others. Of course, those without partners are also reminded of this fact with chocolates from their friends and loved ones as well as free entry into all public events. Now that is one meaningful way to make someone feel better about being alone!
- France
Paris is located in France and it is considered the most romantic city in the world. In this city, people celebrate “La Saint Valentin.” On this day, couples are expected to exchange gifts with each other. In fact, the French have a lot of interesting Valentine’s Day traditions. For example, on this holiday women give men lots of presents that include chocolate and love letters. On the other hand, men send women red roses and boxes with candies.
- Germany
In Germany, there are no special traditions for Valentine’s Day! However, people in Germany love to celebrate it simply because they know so many happy couples who have chosen to spend their lives together! Many Germans believe that love brings happiness and joy into one’s life and this is why they choose to celebrate their loved ones on this particular day.
- South Korea
The concept of Valentine’s Day is a modern one that was introduced to South Korea by American soldiers during World War II. The holiday has grown in popularity and now, variations can be celebrated from February through April with gift giving starting on the 14th for women who have been wooed by chocolate or candies followed up again just before White Day when men not only give their partners flowers but also gifts like jewelry and candy.
- Japan
The Japanese chose Valentine’s Day as the perfect occasion to express their love for all those who are dear to them, not just romantic interests! People celebrate this holiday by sending special chocolates and other gifts to friends and family members who live far away from them. On February 14th, men often give women chocolate while women offer chocolates and flowers to men. But no matter who you give gifts to during this day, most people in Japan will say “Happy Valentine’s Day” by exchanging a kiss with your partner!
- Australia
In Australia, most people enjoy celebrating this holiday with fun traditions that include kissing under the mistletoe or giving out cards signed with hearts on February 14th. In fact, there are special gifts that can be exchanged only on Valentine’s Day in Australia. They include red balloon bouquets and even pink roses!
- Russia
In Russia, people often celebrate the holiday by giving each other heart-shaped necklaces to their loved ones or going for a date to fancy restaurants at night while enjoying musical performances by talented singers and musicians. Dating agencies offer special romantic tours to places of interest in Russia during this time so couples can have a great time together spending quality moments enjoying unique Russian traditions.
- Philippines
People in the Philippines love to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their families. They often do this by having a special family dinner on the eve of the holiday or simply enjoying time together with their loved ones. On February 14th, women give gifts like roses and chocolates to men at work so they can be appreciated for all that they do.
- South Africa
People in South Africa celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving gifts to the ones they love. On this occasion, even children are allowed to express their feelings with cards and small gifts! Although sweets are always welcome during any holiday, people in South Africa enjoy celebrating the most romantic day of the year with heart-shaped cakes or chocolate that is often decorated with special messages just for that person you love so much!
- USA
Did you know that in the USA, Valentine’s Day is considered to be one of the top three holidays when people are expected to spend lots of money on gifts? On this occasion, candy shops offer heart-shaped boxes full of chocolates and other candies. People usually celebrate this holiday with their loved ones or significant others by having a romantic dinner together or simply enjoying time outside in nature.
Final Words
Valentine’s Day is a day of love that celebrates the act of sharing love with another person. The holiday began as a Christian ritual to honor St. Valentine and then evolved into an occasion where people often exchange gifts like chocolates, flowers, cards or other tokens on February 14th each year. Whether you are single or in a relationship, it is always nice to appreciate those around us who make our lives more meaningful!
