Love in the World

How different countries celebrate Valentine's Day.

Check your calendar! Valentine's Day is approaching, and it's not a date you want to forget. In the United States, we book fancy dinners, give chocolates and flowers, and spend time with our loved ones. But how do people around the world celebrate this day of love? Here are some traditions you might want to add to your annual Valentine's Day.

France

When you think of romance, France is probably one of the first places that comes to mind. It's the epicenter of all things romantic, especially in the village of Saint-Valentin. This village is completely transformed during Valentine's Day week. In France, a common tradition is to exchange letters and cards with loved ones. But in Saint-Valentin, they take it to another level. They celebrate a festival of love. Plus, everyone in the village participates. They decorate yards, trees, and houses with love cards, roses, and marriage proposals. It's supposed that all of this came about when the Duke of Orleans wrote the first Valentine's Day card, signing it with a poem: "Your Valentine." This country truly takes the celebration of love to another level and is commonly known as one of the most beautiful Valentine's Day celebrations in the world.

South Korea

South Korea takes its romantic celebrations to the next level: on the ^14th of every month. Each month has a different theme, which helps cultivate romantic bonds. For example, Koreans celebrate Diary Day in January, which is when they exchange a blank diary with a loved one. Then comes Valentine's Day, when women buy gifts like chocolates or roses for men. Men aren't so easily off the hook. They give their gifts, like jewelry or chocolates, a month later, on White Day.

Singles who didn't receive a gift on either day gather on Black Day in April to eat black noodles with their single friends. This is followed by Yellow Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Photo Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day. There's no doubt that love receives its well-deserved celebration in South Korea throughout the year.

Mexico

In Mexico, Valentine's Day isn't limited to couples. They celebrate friendship and any other important person in their lives. People celebrate it with handwritten letters to friends, parties, kermes (similar to a carnival), exchanging stuffed animals and candy, and much more. Older children will play a game called "el amigo secreto," which is similar to "visigo secreto" but for Valentine's Day. One of the most romantic and traditional ways to show your love in Mexico on Valentine's Day is with a serenade. This involves a mariachi band singing to your partner. A tradition that will undoubtedly surprise your partner.

Welsh

Wales celebrates love on January 25, St. Dwynwen's Day, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Hear the incredible story of this saint. As a princess in 4th-century Wales, she was betrothed to a prince and was unable to marry her true love. She ran away to the forest and an angel gave her a potion to forget her true love, but it turned him to ice. God granted her three wishes. She wished that her true love would thaw, that God help all true lovers, and that she would never marry. Today, lovers exchange unique, handmade wooden spoons. Historically, suitors gave these types of spoons to women to express their intention of love. People also exchange cards and different gifts that we more commonly know as "Valentine's Day gifts," but exchanging spoons is a centuries-old tradition.

Ghana

Here, February 14th is celebrated as National Chocolate Day. They speak our language of love! The Ghanaian government took the step of declaring this day National Chocolate Day to increase tourism in the country in 2007, as Ghana is one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. On this day, you can attend shows and musical events, and restaurants and shops will have special themed offers.

Argentina

Instead of celebrating it in February like we do, Argentines celebrate "the week of sweetness" in July. They don't just give candy to lovers, but also to family and friends. A candy company started this fun week in 1898 with the popular "Candy for a Kiss" campaign. People gave candy and received a kiss on the cheek in return. Now it's an annual tradition. Among the most popular sweets is the Bon o Bon, a chocolate bonbon filled with peanut butter.

Romania

Valentine's Day is actually celebrated on February 24th in Romania, on the feast day of Dragobete. He is the patron saint of love and joy, often associated with Cupid. But he used his powers to remind people to never stop celebrating love. Couples celebrate the holiday by going deep into the forests in search of spring flowers. The tradition also extends to singles. According to legend, if you meet and hug at least one person you're attracted to, you'll notice a big difference in your love life.

Bulgaria

On February ^14th , Bulgarians celebrate in their own unique style. They celebrate Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of vineyards, on February 14th. Traditionally, this was the first day of the year or the first day of work in the vineyards, a symbol of the end of winter (yes, please!). In each village, the man who has grown the most grapes that year is crowned king and is paraded around, ordering him to get drunk with his friends for a good harvest. On that day, couples of all ages celebrate their love with local wines.

In general, although many of the celebrations share elements with what we do in the United States, many countries add their own twist and incorporate their own stories into the occasion. Find the perfect celebration for you and your partner to make it a magical Valentine's Day.

Author: Kaitlyn Craig