Romance? Nothing makes a heart skip a beat like candles, flowers, and the sound of sweet nothings. We adore it so much that we have a day dedicated to honoring all the love in our lives — Valentine’s Day. And everyone around the world has their own Valentine’s day traditions.

Valentine is reported to have been a priest who served in Rome around the third century. When Emperor Claudius II stated that single men made better soldiers than those with families and spouses, he forbade marriage for Young soldiers.

Valentine protested the injustice being done to young men by executing secret marriages for young couples. When the emperor learned of Valentine’s actions, he ordered that the saint be executed. 

Saint Valentine over time became popular, couples all around the world began to celebrate Valentine’s Day as the day of love. This day isn’t only about sending flowers and chocolates all across the world. Different countries observe it in their own unique way.

France – The Heart of Romance

The first Valentine’s Day card is thought to have been created in France in 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love notes to his wife from jail. And the French town of “Valentine” becomes the focus of romance between the 12th and 14th of February. Beautiful yards, trees, and residences are covered with love cards, flowers, and marriage proposal flakes. It is most likely one of the most beautiful Valentine’s Day traditions in the world.

South Korea – For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience

On Valentine’s Day, it’s the guys who get spoiled in this area of the world, when women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members, and coworkers as a sign of devotion and respect. But don’t worry, women, the favor will be returned in a month. Men reciprocate with cake, sweets, and flowers on March 14, known as White Day.

On the 14th of each month, passionate lovers in South Korea commemorate Valentine’s Day. “The day of flowers” is commemorated in May, “the day of kisses” in June, “the day of embraces” in December, and unmarried people observe “the black day” in April by eating black noodles.

Ghana Observes National Chocolate Day

The 14th of February is designated as “National Chocolate Day” in Ghana. It is a measure taken by the Ghanaian government in 2007 to boost tourism in the country. Ghana is one of the world’s major cocoa-producing countries. On February 14, people can attend concerts, music activities, and restaurants that offer special menus for the occasion.

Wales – San Dwynwen’s Day

Valentine’s Day is commemorated in Wales in an unusual fashion. On January 25, the country observes the “day of San Dwynwen,” a day of love. On this day, couples exchange one-of-a-kind and wonderfully handcrafted wooden spoons. This custom has been carried out since the 16th century.

Brazil – Lovers Day

In Brazil, the “Dia dos Namorados” event, often known as “Lovers Day,” is observed. People there commonly exchange chocolates, cards, flowers, and attend music festivals and dancing performances. During the occasion, gifting is not limited to couples; family feasts are prevalent.

Italy – A Favorite Day for Couples

Originally, Valentine’s Day was observed as a spring holiday by the Italians. Another Valentine’s Day custom in Italy was for young, single couples to get up before dawn to look for their future spouse. Today, Italians commemorate Valentine’s Day by exchanging presents between partners and hosting romantic meals.

Slovenia – Express Your Feelings

St. Valentine is one of Slovenia’s patron saints of spring. It is believed that plants begin to rejuvenate on February 14th, as this day represents the first day of labor in the fields for the New Year. Another prevalent myth is that on this day, birds ‘propose’ to each other. To view this event, one must go barefoot through fields that are frequently still frozen.

England – Festival Of Romantic Love

Women in England used to place five bay leaves on their pillows on Valentine’s Day. This was done with the intention of bringing their future husbands’ fantasies to fruition. Jack Valentine serves as a Valentine’s Day Santa in Norfolk. Children eagerly await Santa, but they do not get to see Old Father Valentine.

Czech Republic – Under The Cherry Trees

Valentine’s Day has progressively gained popularity among young people in the Czech Republic. In the country, the celebration is held on May 1st. On this day, young couples flock to the poet Karol Hynek Macha memorial and kiss under the cherry trees for good luck.

Romania – A Surprising Celebration

If you’re seeking for some incredibly romantic and unconventional Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world, Romanians will not disappoint. The day is observed on February 24th as the day when young couples become engaged. It is essentially a mash-up of Valentine’s Day with the spring season’s festivities. Young men and women travel to the trees to collect bright flowers, while other couples bathe their cheeks with snow as a good luck charm.

Which of these Valentine’s day traditions are you going to follow this year? Tell us in the comments below!

These Valentine’s day traditions are mushy-gushy, but was it always roses and butterflies? Read about the questionable and gory origins of Valentine’s day.

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