Chocolate gifting became a Valentine’s Day staple thanks to Richard Cadbury’s invention of the heart-shaped chocolate box in the 1800s. Today, chocolates are one of the top gifts exchanged on Valentine’s Day, with everything from fancy truffles to giant chocolate bars making their way into hearts and hands. Similar to Japan, Valentine’s Day in South Korea is celebrated on February 14 th with women giving men gifts, and then the males do their part on March 14 th, ‘White Day’. What’s perhaps most notable is apparently how the singletons ‘celebrate’. Then, one month later on March 14th, Japan and South Korea celebrate White Day, where men return the favour with chocolates, gifts and flowers. Wales: wooden love spoons instead of chocolates Forget chocolates, Welsh couples exchange hand-carved wooden love spoons ( llwy garu ) on January 25th for Dydd Santes Dwynwen , the Welsh version of This sweet exchange has been a part of Japanese culture since the 1950s, making Valentine’s Day a two-part celebration of love and appreciation! Read More: 2 Best Places to Study Abroad in Japan . Valentines Day in England . In England, Valentine's Day is full of charm and quirky traditions! Love is most certainly in the air for the South Koreans who not only celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th (where women gift men chocolate) but also mark the 14th of each month with a cute celebration: January – Diary Day; February – Valentine’s Day; March – White Day (where non-chocolate treats are given) 1. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14. Men return the favour on March 14 by giving gifts like white chocolate or jewellery Valentine’s Day, or ‘Gregorjevo,’ takes place in Slovenia on March 12 and their day of love coincides with the beginning of their spring celebrations. In what is one of the most beautiful traditions, women go outside on a beautiful spring day and the first bird they see will supposedly give them all the answers about their future husband. Unlike the one many countries celebrate on February 14th, Brazil marks their Dia dos Namorados on June 12th instead; 5 Valentine’s Day is an event of gift giving, romantic dinners, and proposals. It frequently falls in the colder months of Brazil, so it is a warm and private affair for lovers all over the country. 20. Japan: White Day. The Japanese celebrate Valentine’s Day, but with a twist: only women give presents on February 14. Women usually give chocolate, but not just to their boyfriends or male partners. Coworkers, classmates, friends, or female partners may also receive gifts. Although Valentine’s Day is one of the new Denmark festivals, the country also celebrates the day of love and romance on 14th Feb with a twist. In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is not limited to roses and chocolates. Friends and lovers exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers that are called snowdrops. Sometimes, the best Valentine’s Day plans are the ones that make you both laugh, feel connected, and create memories you’ll cherish forever. So, if you’re looking for fun and romantic things to do on Valentine’s Day, I’ve got you covered with 25 ideas to help you celebrate love your way. Russia – in Russia, there is no such thing as Valentine’s Day, but they celebrate International Women’s Day in the same way we celebrate Valentine’s Day. In all other countries, you will find Valentine’s Day celebrations in one form or another. It might even be so that it will be called a different name or held on a different date. Giving back: Selfless and thoughtful Valentine's Day ideas. Spend your Valentine’s Day volunteering as a group. You could serve food at the local soup kitchen, sort clothing and other donations at the local domestic violence shelter, or go to the local animal rescue to walk dogs to give them love, as well. Follow the H.E.A.R.T.: Five Tips to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Loved One Living with Dementia (February 10, 2025)— Valentine’s Day can present unique challenges to relationships; loved ones living with dementia may not be able to express themselves or remember things as they did before the onset of the illness. Celebrating an occasion like this with loved ones who live in a different country requires some thoughtful preparation. Consider sending a care package filled with sentimental items that remind your family of your shared history . Valentine’s Day in Poetry. Building on the Slavic folklore and French troubadours comes Geoffery Chaucer’s poem Parlement of Foules, a 699-line rhyming poem that was written in 1380–90 (the 14th century). Here are 12 experiences to give your loved ones on Valentine’s Day instead of presents. 10 Experiences to Give Your Loved Ones on Valentine’s Day. Instead of buying more things that no one really wants or needs, try one (or more) of these experience gift ideas for Valentine’s Day this year. Celebrate Valentine's Day with friends! Check out these 25 fun ideas, from fondue nights to wine tasting, perfect for a memorable holiday. Love is in the air as 14th February 2025, Valentine’s Day, is almost upon us once again.Does Spain celebrate Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day, known as "El Día de San Valentín" in Spanish, is celebrated in Spain much like it is in many other parts of the world, with expressions of love and affection exchanged between partners, friends, and family members. Valentine’s Day is not everyone’s favorite holiday. Instead of a Valentine’s Day themed party, pick a different theme to eliminate any Valentine’s Day reservations your friends might have. Make the party “Anti-Valentine’s Day” themed, or choose a random theme that all of your friends will enjoy.
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