How Valentine’s Day is Celebrated throughout the World

Millions of people celebrate Valentine’s Day each year. However, these celebrations sometimes look very different than the traditional chocolate, flowers and cards that are usually given to others to celebrate this day of love. In fact, in some countries Valentine’s Day isn’t even celebrated in the month of February.

Brazil
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on June 12^th and is called the Day of the Enamored. It’s celebrated on this day because the following day, June 13^th is known as a day where single women try to perform rituals in hopes of landing a man. The Brazilians do celebrate their version of Valentine’s Day by giving chocolates and presents to loved ones.

Slovenia
Valentine’s Day in Slovenia is less about love and more about growth. On February 14^th Slovenians plants seeds and have the belief that this is the day that birds get engaged to one another. Kids even get into the Valentine’s Day spirit by making small boats out of paper or wood, putting a candle inside and placing them in the river. This is supposed to symbolize that the days are longer and work lights are no longer needed. Saint Gregory’s Day on March 12^th used to be the day that Slovenians celebrated love, but not many people celebrate it on this day anymore.

Britain
Valentine’s Day is fun for adults and kids alike in Norfolk, Britain. Each year, a person is chosen to be Jack Valentine and he leaves candy and presents on people’s doorsteps. He knocks on the door and runs away before anyone can see who he is. On this day it ends up being quite the celebration and recipients tend to hang around town showing each other what they got from Jack.

South Korea
South Korea has a very interesting Valentine’s tradition. First on February 14^th, they celebrate what is called White Day. Men give women gifts and candy. For those women who didn’t get anything, they mourn the fact that they don’t have a loved one on Black Day, April 14^th. They commemorate this day by visiting a Chinese restaurant and eating black noodles. Some Koreans who have found love are known for celebrating this in some way on the 14^th of every single month.

So, how do you plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day? Are you going to give a card to your sweetie and maybe have a romantic dinner? For fun, try to include some of the traditions mentioned above. You could always plant some seeds with your loved one or even leave their gifts on the doorstep for them. They might just get a kick out of your creativity.

Keep in mind there is nothing more romantic that traveling and exploring new places together. If you don’t know where to start, we have a series of blogs on romantic destinations throughout the U.S.

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