Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various unique and fascinating ways around the globe. While the UK has its own rich history and traditions, other countries have equally intriguing customs that make this day special.
In the UK, Valentine’s Day traces its origins back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a lively (and rather raucous) mid-February affair that Pope Gelasius decided to clean up in the 5th century. He replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day, honouring a martyred priest, Valentine, who, according to legend, defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on soldierly nuptials by performing secret weddings. Ever the romantic, he reportedly signed a letter “from your Valentine” before his unfortunate execution. Over time, his story became woven into the fabric of romantic tradition.
By the 14th century, England had firmly linked Valentine’s Day with romance, thanks to the chivalrous ideals of the Middle Ages (think knights, ladies, and elaborate love poetry). The Tudors popularised the exchange of love notes, which evolved into today’s Valentine’s cards. By the Victorian era, mass-produced cards, flowers, and chocolates had become customary, and the UK fully embraced the holiday as a grand celebration of love—one that the greeting card industry is still rather grateful for!
While the UK has its fair share of heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide in wonderfully unique ways. Here’s how other nations mark the occasion:
Wales
The Welsh have their own version of Valentine's Day on 25th January, known as St. Dwynwen’s Day. St. Dwynwen is the patron saint of lovers. It is tradition for men gift intricately hand-carved wooden “lovespoons” to their beloveds. Symbols on the spoons represent everything from eternal love to the number of children one hopes to have—talk about planning ahead!
Italy
Love and food go hand in hand in Italy, where Valentine's Day is marked with romantic dinners and the gifting of Baci Perugina, hazelnut-filled chocolates wrapped with love notes. If there’s one thing the Italians know, it’s how to do romance!
France
No surprises here: the French celebrate with lavish dinners, flowers, and gifts. France, after all, is home to the “Village of Love” (Saint-Valentin), where couples flock to exchange vows and bask in the romance of it all.
Denmark
The Danes celebrate with ‘gaekkebrev’, mysterious love notes sent anonymously, often with humorous rhymes. If the recipient correctly guesses the sender’s identity, they win an Easter egg—because nothing says romance like a bit of cryptic poetry and chocolate.
South Africa
Women literally wear their hearts on their sleeves, pinning the names of their crushes to their clothing. A bold move, but one way to skip the whole guessing game!
Ghana
Ghana now celebrates Valentine’s Day as National Chocolate Day, a nod to its status as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers!
Argentina
Valentine’s Day is only the beginning. In July, Argentinians take part in Sweetness Week, where kisses are exchanged for sweets.
Brazil
Brazilians celebrate Dia dos Namorados (Sweetheart’s Day) on 12th June with gifts, music, and festivities honouring both love and friendship.
China
The Qixi Festival in August, inspired by a mythical star-crossed couple, is China’s answer to Valentine’s Day. It’s a celebration of love that’s literally written in the stars.
Japan
Women take the lead on 14th February by gifting chocolates to men. A month later, on White Day (14th March), the men return the favour!
Philippines
Valentine’s Day in the Philippines is famous for mass weddings, where sometimes more than 200 couples tie the knot at once!
Czech Republic
1st May, not 14th February, is the most romantic day of the year here. Couples kiss under cherry blossom trees, inspired by a classic poem that suggests such a smooch will keep a woman beautiful for another year. Science is yet to confirm this, but the tradition stands!
Wherever you are in the world, love is celebrated in many creative ways! Whether it's gifting a handcrafted spoon, pinning a crush’s name to your sleeve, or swapping sweets for kisses, or celebrating your friendships, Valentine’s Day proves that love and romance are truly universal. And if all else fails, at least there’s always chocolate!
