When you think of Valentine’s Day, you probably think of chocolates and red roses, but is this the same around the world? Well, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at how this day of love is celebrated in other countries around the world, from Finland to the Philippines.
But first, whilst we’ve got your attention, don’t forget to pick up a Valentine’s Day card for your loved one before it slips your mind!
Here at thortful, all of our cards are created by independent creators which helps to give them personality, and with so many different designs to choose from, we’re certain you’ll find something perfect for everyone. Just have a sneaky peek below to see what we mean:
Finland: Ystävänpäivä
In Finland, it’s not Valentine’s Day which is celebrated on February 14th but rather Ystävänpäivä which means ‘Friend’s Day’. So, instead of only focusing on romantic love, people send cards and small gifts to the different people in their life that they treasure.
Denmark: Gaekkebrev
One difference in Valentine’s celebrations is that rather than red roses, the common flower to give someone are white flowers like snowdrops.
Another Danish Valentine’s tradition involves men sending humorous secret admirer love letters. Purposefully written in a jokey tone, the idea is that if the recipient can correctly guess who sent it to them then they’re owed an Easter egg later that same year from that person.
Maybe you want to try your hand at penning a longer note? Discover our tips for writing a love letter to get started!
Germany: Pig-shaped gifts
Who knew pigs were so romantic? Well, in Germany, people do buy pig-shaped gifts to get their lover for Valentine’s Day. Of course, this may sound a bit odd to some of us who aren’t familiar with the tradition, but the reason for this is that pigs symbolise prosperity and desire… who would’ve thought!
Spain: Various celebrations of love
Ah, Spain, a country full of very affectionate people. Like the UK, Valentine’s Day, translated as ‘El Día de San Valentín’ in Spanish, is commonly celebrated on February 14th. But this isn’t always the case, and there are other regions of Spain that have different dates dedicated to celebrating love.
For instance, in Valencia, ‘San Dionisio’ takes place on October 9th during which people traditionally gift each other marzipan called a ‘mocadorà’. This is a marzipan wrapped in a handkerchief, known as a ‘mocador’. Then there’s ‘Día de Sant Jordi’ on April 23rd, which is a Catalonian tradition where people normally exchange gifts of flowers and books.
Brazil: Dias dos Namorados
In Brazil, ‘Dias dos Namorados’, aka Sweetheart’s Day or Boyfriends/Girlfriends’ Day, is celebrated on June 12th.
As you can guess from the name, it is very similar to Valentine’s Day, but the reason it’s not celebrated in February is due to Carnaval. This is a completely different annual tradition, which also happens to be one of the major festivals in Brazil where it’s essentially a huge party.
Philippines: Mass weddings
Perhaps the most romantic gesture possible on Valentine’s Day happens in the Philippines as hundreds of couples gather together and get married en masse. Naturally, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ve got to at least admit that it’s quite literally a big ol’ celebration of love (plus, it means you’re less likely to forget your anniversary!).
Japan: Gifting chocolate and ‘White Day’
In Japan, there are various chocolate-related traditions on Valentine’s Day.
‘Honmei-choco’, which means ‘true feelings’ or ‘favourite’ chocolate, is traditionally given by women to their husband, boyfriend, or someone that they’re confessing romantic feelings for.
There is also ‘giri-choco’, meaning ‘obligation chocolate’, which is a cheaper chocolate handed out by women to males that they want to show appreciation for in a platonic way, such as male colleagues or friends.
A month after Valentine’s Day, on the 14th of March is ‘White Day’, which is when it’s finally the man’s turn to return the favour by getting their gift-givers a white-coloured present. This may include marshmallows, cookies, or other sweets. But it’s worth noting that if a man has received a ‘honmei-choco’ and doesn’t feel the same then he will likely choose to not give something back. So, yeah, it can be pretty brutal…
South Korea: Jajangmyeon
Similar to Japan, Valentine’s Day in South Korea is celebrated on February 14th with women giving men gifts, and then the males do their part on March 14th, ‘White Day’. What’s perhaps most notable is apparently how the singletons ‘celebrate’.
On April 14th (yes, two whole months after Valentine’s Day, in case you’re keeping track), it’s said that anyone who didn’t receive presents on either Valentine’s Day or White Day gets together with other single friends to eat Jjajyangmyeon, which are black noodles, hence why this date has earned the title of ‘Black Day’.
Comfort food and getting together with friends who know how you feel? Now that’s a way of drowning our sorrows that we can wholeheartedly support! For more inspiration on what you can get up to if you’ve not got a partner, we’ve got loads of ideas on how to spend Valentine’s Day as a singleton.
Have any of these Valentine’s traditions from other countries around the world left you inspired? Perhaps there’s one that you want to give a go this year?
For even more ways to make the most of this particular special occasion, be sure to check out our blogs on Valentine’s Day date ideas, how to throw a Valentine’s party, and what to write in a Valentine’s Day card.
As you might have guessed by now, the team here at thortful are all about helping people show how much they care. Whatever the reason, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find an inspiration or guide about it over on the thortful blog.
