Interesting Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World

Valentine’s Day on February 14 is dedicated to love, sweet gestures, and scrambling for last-minute cards or dinner reservations. The day is set aside to show that special someone in your life how much you care and it has become tradition to exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates, or thoughtful notes. However, around the world, different countries have their own ways of celebrating with unique traditions that may surprise you.

In the Unites States, both partners traditionally give gifts, however, in South Korea, it’s customary for the woman to give men chocolate on Valentine’s Day as a sign of affection. And then a month later on White Day, it’s the man’s turn to reciprocate. 

On Valentine’s Day (Valentinsdagen or Alle Hjerters Dag) in Norway, secret admirers send quirky little poems called ‘gaekkebrev’ to their crushes. The catch? Each letter of the sender’s name is replaced by a dot and if the recipient can figure out who sent it, they get an Easter egg on Easter. If not, the man reveals himself, and the woman has to hand over an egg instead.

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. These love spoons are symbolic and often have hidden clues carved into the design. 

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. 

In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance for couples to make their dream wedding a reality even if they don’t have the budget for it. Thanks to the government, mass weddings are held across the country and everything, including the rings, is provided. And if you’re in the mood for something extra special, ‘dovapalooza’ is an event where couples gather at Manila Bay for a midnight kiss.

Valentine’s Day may be celebrated differently across the globe but at the end of the day, it’s all about love, connection, and creating special moments.