More platonic love is on display here, as Finland and Estonia celebrate Friends Day on February 14. People give cards to loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and the day is a popular engagement date. France. France is a lover's paradise, and couples flock here for Valentine's Day every year. Learn about how countries across the globe celebrate Valentine's Day including February 14 traditions from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, England and more. From Mass Weddings to Spilled Wine: How 6 Countries Around the World Celebrate Valentine’s Day. some Filipino couples have celebrated Valentine’s Day at state-supported mass wedding 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. 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. As in Japan, women in South Korea give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day while men celebrate White Day. South Korea has a third holiday, however, known as Black Day. Celebrated on April 14, single friends gather to eat noodles and celebrate being single. The name comes from the noodle dish, which includes white noodles in a black sauce. Slovenia In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is known as “Dia dos Namorados,” which translates to “Lovers’ Day” — but don’t expect to celebrate it on February 14th, as it is actually held on June 12th! Dia dos Namorados is a popular holiday and is traditionally celebrated by couples with a focus on romantic love. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day in Wales, be prepared for some serious spooning, pun intended. Valentine’s Day comes to the country earlier—on January 25th—and they still uphold a tradition that began in the 17th century where the men carve wooden spoons and gift them to their sweethearts as a sign of their affection. On the British island, Valentine's Day is celebrated a bit early on Jan. 25 and is called the "Day of San Dwynwen" by locals. A tradition in practice since the 16th century, the Day of San Dwynwen sees participating men and women exchange intricate hand-carved wooden spoons as a token of affection for one another. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many unique ways across the world. Here are some interesting traditions from different countries. February is synonymous with love and Valentine’s Day. While many embrace the romantic gestures and gift-giving associated with February 14th, a handful of countries actively discourage or even 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. Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, and the rest is this history. What other countries celebrate Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on Feb.14, and is dedicated to expressing love and affection.. While the holiday originated in Christian and Western cultures, it has since spread to many Valentine's Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some countries, it's all about romantic love, while in others, it's a day to celebrate with your friends and family. Valentine's Day traditions may vary, but the common theme is the expression of love and appreciation. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14 each year, started out as a Christian feast day honoring one, or even two, early Christian martyrs by the name of St. Valentine. One was Valentine of Rome, a priest who was martyred in 269; and the other, Valentine of Terni, a bishop who was martyred in 273. Each country has a significant way that they celebrate Valentine’s Day, while some do not celebrate it at all. Here are some countries that spend Valentine’s Day differently than the generic activities of sending love letters, exchanging gifts or flowers, eating in fancy restaurants and having a romantic night in a hotel. Valentine’s Day around the Globe! 17 Holidays Around the World. 12 Spring Traditions Around the World. Get Creative This Valentine’s Day with 3 Cute Kids’ Crafts. Valentine’s Day Card Printable. School Lunches from Around The World. Weddings Traditions from Around the World. A Sampling of the Best Candy From Around the World *Note: Brazil does not celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14; countries including India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, France, Chile, Belgium, Romania, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide, but traditions vary greatly. This article explores diverse cultural celebrations of love, from Japan's reciprocal gift-giving on Valentine's Day and White Day to China's Qixi Festival and Argentina's
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