In North America, Valentine’s Day on February 14th is a day where lovers exchange romantic cards and gifts like chocolates and flowers. While many countries have adopted similar practices, unique cultural differences showcase how both romantic – and platonic – love are celebrated differently around the world.
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is only half of the picture. On February 14th, women customarily give chocolates to their partners. Honmei choco (“true feeling chocolates”) are given to romantic partners, while giri choco (“obligation chocolates”) are given to co-workers, bosses, or other acquaintances. Then on March 14th, known as White Day, men reciprocate with white-coloured gifts such as chocolates, sweets, or other presents. This tradition, which began in Japan in 1978, has spread to other East Asian countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is known as Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship). This special day celebrates not only romantic love but also the love shared with friends and family. While many traditions are similar to those of other Western countries, spending quality time with loved ones is just as important. Día del Amor y la Amistad is similarly celebrated in other Latin American countries, emphasizing the importance of all forms of love.
In Denmark, Valentine’s Day may not be as widely celebrated, but it has its own unique traditions. Instead of gifting roses, people give snowdrops, a flower with tiny heart-shaped marks at the ends of their white petals, to both love interests and friends. Alongside snowdrops, anonymous love poems called gaekkebrev are written on paper in the shape of a snowflake. If the receiver guesses the identity of the giver correctly, they’re rewarded with an Easter egg.
In Italy, Valentine’s Day holds a unique place in history, with some believing its origins trace back to ancient Rome. These days, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Italy much like in Canada and the U.S., with the exchange of chocolates and romantic gestures. A unique Italian treat for this occasion are Baci Perugina – chocolate covered hazelnuts with a cherry flavoured center. Fitting of the occasion, these sweets come with romantic poetry written on the inside of their wrapper.
Inspired by the book Ho voglio di te by Federico Moccacia, many young couples in Italy partake in a charming tradition: they write their initials onto a padlock, attach it to a bridge, and discard the key, signifying that their love will last forever.
In Ghana, Valentine’s Day coincides with Chocolate Day, a celebration started by the Ghana Tourism Authority in 2005. The day promotes the purchase of domestic chocolate and other cocoa-based products, highlighting Ghana’s role as a top cocoa producer. Since 2022, Chocolate Day has been expanded to National Chocolate Week, further emphasizing the importance of Ghana’s cocoa industry. Despite this unique twist, Ghanaians still celebrate Valentine’s Day with the usual gift-giving and romantic exchanges.
Did you know? Some countries have traditional celebrations that commemorate love and affection at different times of the year.
- In Brazil, Valentine’s Day, known as Dia dos Namorados (Lover’s Day), is celebrated on June 12th. This is for a few reasons: to honour the death of Saint Anthony, a Catholic priest, who was recognized for blessing young couples with long-lasting marriages, and to avoid coinciding with the country’s largest festival in February – Carnaval. Dia dos Namorados is celebrated much like Valentine’s Day in Canada, but with a few noticeable differences. Parades crowd the streets, creating a lively atmosphere alike those of other celebrations. Both couples and singles participate in simpatias – rituals that seek Saint Anthony’s blessing to improve their love lives or strengthen their relationships.
- In Wales, some choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day a bit earlier. January 25th marks St. Dwynwen’s Day, a day that commemorates Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of love. While romantic gift giving and special dinners are customary, a special type of gift associated with St. Dwynwen’s Day is the Welsh love spoon. Since the seventeenth century in Wales, the tradition is that a carved spoon shows interest in a romantic relationship. Some visit Llanddwyn Island to see the ruins of St. Dwynwen’s Church and pray to the patron of love.
- In the Czech Republic, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as The Day of Love on May 1st. Couples visit the statue of the Czech poet Karel Hynek Mácha and kiss under cherry trees for good luck, which is believed to bring happiness and strengthen their love. This tradition is deeply rooted in Czech culture, as Mácha’s poem "Máj" (May) is a symbol of love and spring.
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