Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection, but its traditions vary greatly across the globe. From unusual customs to exotic gifts, each country has its unique way of expressing love. In this blog, we’ll explore 20 crazy Valentine’s traditions from around the world that will leave you amazed and inspired.
1. Japan’s Chocolate Role-Reversal
In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day, but with a twist. The chocolates are divided into two categories: “giri-choco” (obligation chocolate) for acquaintances and “homes-choco” (true feeling chocolate) for loved ones.
This tradition is a significant part of Japanese culture, where men also return the favor on March 14th, known as White Day.
2. South Korea’s White Day
In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, but men return the favor on March 14th, known as White Day, where they give gifts to the women in their lives.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 1970s and has since become a significant part of Korean culture. On White Day, men often give more extravagant gifts, such as jewelry or luxury items.
3. Denmark’s Gaekkebrev Poems
In Denmark, men send funny poems called “gaekkebrev” to women on Valentine’s Day, signed with a series of dots that correspond to a letter in the alphabet, revealing the sender’s identity if the recipient guesses correctly.
This tradition is a fun and creative way for men to express their feelings, and women often look forward to receiving these poems. The tradition is believed to have originated in the 18th century.
4. Italy’s Sweet Treats
In Italy, couples exchange sweet treats like chocolates, candies, and cakes on Valentine’s Day, and the tradition is believed to have originated in the 3rd century AD.
The Italians are known for their love of romance and good food, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. The day is often celebrated with a romantic dinner, complete with fine wine and delicious desserts.
5. India’s Protest Against Valentine’s Day
In some parts of India, Valentine’s Day is met with protests and demonstrations, with some groups believing it to be a Western influence that undermines traditional Indian values.
However, many young Indians have adopted the tradition, and it is now celebrated in many parts of the country. The protests have led to a debate about the role of Western culture in Indian society.
6. China’s Qixi Festival
In China, the Qixi Festival, also known as the Double Seventh Festival, is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, where couples pray for a happy marriage and long-lasting love.
The festival is based on a legend about two star-crossed lovers who were separated by the Milky Way. The tradition is still celebrated today, with couples often going on romantic dates and exchanging gifts.
7. Brazil’s Week-Long Celebration
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on June 12th, known as “Dia dos Namorados,” and the festivities last for an entire week, with music, dance, and romantic getaways.
The celebration is a significant part of Brazilian culture, and couples often plan their vacations and romantic trips during this time. The week-long celebration is a time for couples to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
8. Germany’s Pig Figurines
In Germany, pigs are considered a symbol of love and fertility, and couples exchange pig figurines or pictures on Valentine’s Day to wish each other good luck and prosperity.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages when pigs were seen as a symbol of good fortune. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with couples often exchanging pig-themed gifts and decorations.
9. Sweden’s Lovers’ Day
In Sweden, Valentine’s Day is known as “Alla Hjärtans Dag,” or Lovers’ Day, where friends and family members also exchange gifts and cards, not just romantic couples.
The tradition is a time for people to show appreciation for their loved ones, and it is celebrated with a sense of warmth and togetherness. The day is often marked with romantic dinners and weekend getaways.
10. Philippines’ Mass Weddings
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is a popular day for mass weddings, where hundreds of couples tie the knot in a single ceremony, making it a memorable and exciting experience.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 1990s, and it has since become a significant part of Filipino culture. The mass weddings are often sponsored by local governments and organizations.
11. Romania’s Dragobete
In Romania, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 24th, known as Dragobete, where men give women small gifts and flowers, and the tradition is believed to have originated in Dacian times.
The celebration is a time for couples to express their love and affection, and it is often marked with music, dance, and feasts. The tradition is still celebrated today, with couples often going on romantic dates and exchanging gifts.
12. Taiwan’s Valentine’s Day on Two Occasions
In Taiwan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, but also on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, when couples go on romantic dates and exchange gifts.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 1980s, and it has since become a significant part of Taiwanese culture. The two celebrations offer couples two opportunities to express their love and affection.
13. Israel’s Tu B’Av
In Israel, Tu B’Av is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Av, where singles go on dates and couples celebrate their love with romantic dinners and getaways.
The tradition is believed to have originated in ancient times when it was a day for matchmaking and romance. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with many Israelis participating in singles events and romantic activities.
14. France’s City of Love
In France, the city of Paris is known as the City of Love, and couples flock to the Eiffel Tower and other romantic spots to celebrate Valentine’s Day and express their love.
The city is famous for its romantic atmosphere, and it is a popular destination for couples on Valentine’s Day. The city’s beautiful landmarks and charming streets make it a perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
15. South Africa’s Lupercalia
In South Africa, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a twist, where women write their names on pieces of paper, put them in a hat, and the men draw them out to see who their valentine will be.
The tradition is believed to have originated in ancient times, where it was a way for men to choose their partners. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with many South Africans participating in the fun and exciting activity.
16. Wales’ Love Spoons
In Wales, love spoons are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift, where men carve intricate designs onto wooden spoons to give to their loved ones, symbolizing their love and affection.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 17th century when men would carve spoons to show their love and commitment. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with many Welsh men giving love spoons to their partners as a symbol of their love.
17. Scotland’s St. Valentine’s Day
In Scotland, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a traditional Scottish breakfast, where men give women a gift, and the couple shares a romantic meal together.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 15th century when men would give women a gift of love and affection. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with many Scottish couples enjoying a romantic breakfast together.
18. Thailand’s Water Fight
In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a water fight, where couples and friends splash each other with water to symbolize the washing away of sins and the start of new beginnings.
The tradition is believed to have originated in ancient times when water was seen as a symbol of purification. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with many Thais participating in the fun and exciting activity.
19. Greece’s Spring Festival
In Greece, Valentine’s Day coincides with the spring festival, where couples celebrate the arrival of spring and the blossoming of love with music, dance, and feasts.
The tradition is believed to have originated in ancient times, when the spring festival was a time for celebration and renewal. Today, the tradition is still celebrated, with many Greeks participating in the festivities and romantic activities.
20. Estonia’s Friendship Day
In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Friendship Day, where friends and family members exchange gifts and cards, and the focus is on nurturing relationships and showing appreciation for loved ones.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 1990s, and it has since become a significant part of Estonian culture. The day is often marked with social gatherings and community events, where people come together to celebrate their friendships and relationships.
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