Valentine's - a day to celebrate love in all its forms. You probably have your own Valentine's Day traditions, but do you ever wonder how this lovely day is celebrated in other countries? It's not always bouquets of roses and boxes of chocolates, other places around the world have their own unique ways of celebrating. So join us as we explore all of the wonderful ways in which people express love all around the globe...
Japan
February 14th means one thing in Japan - chocolate! Different types of chocolate gifts are given by women to men in order to represent different feelings or relationships. Honemei-choco is given to romantic partners or someone you have romantic feelings for. These chocolates are often handmade to express affection. Giri-choco is gifted to male co-workers, classmates or friends as a friendly and not romantic gesture. Men then gift chocolates to women on March 14th, otherwise known as White Day.
Ireland
Many people in search of love in Ireland will make the pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Valentine in Dublin, which allegedly houses relics of Rome's original Saint Valentine, who was martyred for performing secret weddings for soldiers. The shrine is also visited throughout the year by couples who come to pray to Valentine and to ask him to watch over them in their lives together.
Germany
The symbol of love in Germany is a unique one. Considered to represent both luck and love, the pig is a common motif used across Valentine's Day gifts in Germany. They can be made of chocolate, ceramic, or marzipan, or can be in the form of piggy banks, plush toys, or pictures. Chocolate pigs are a common Valentine's Day treat in Germany. They often come with messages of love or good luck.
Finland
With a focus on platonic instead of romantic love, February 14th is known as Friends Day in Finland (and Estonia). People give cards to loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and the day is a popular engagement date.
Denmark and Norway
In Scandinavian countries, friends and lovers exchange various 'lover's cards.' Some people give handmade cards decorated with pressed snowdrop flowers. Additionally, some people send a 'gaekkebrev', which is an anonymous 'joke letter' featuring a humorous poem or rhyme written on intricately cut paper. If the recipient correctly identifies the sender, they are rewarded with an Easter egg later on in the year.
Wales
Instead of Valentine's, the Welsh celebrate St. Dwynwen's Day on January 25. He's the patron saint of lovers, and men traditionally give their significant others hand-carved wooden spoons as gifts. This tradition hearken back to the time when love-sick Welsh sailors carved designs into their spoons to give to their lovers upon returning home.
South Korea
For single people, February 14th is known as Black Day. This is a day to gather with your single friends and commiserate over a noodle dish called 'jajangmyeon', which is topped with a black sauce.
Romania
Romanians celebrate Valentine's Day 10 days later, as a combination of the celebration of love and the coming of spring. Couples will pick wildflowers and wash their faces in snow to prepare for spring, and many lovers pick this day to propose to their beloved.
Ghana
In Ghana, February 14th is National Chocolate Day, an initiative introduced by the government in 2007 to celebrate the fact that Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa. All across Ghana there are concerts and performances, restaurants offer chocolate-themed menus, and there are many celebrations for the special day.
Taiwan
On Valentine's Day in Taiwan, men give elaborate bouquets to their loved ones, with the colour and number of flowers representing an important message. The most important? The bouquet of 108 roses, which means, "Will you marry me?" Red roses e xpress passion and deep love. In Chinese culture, red is associated with luck and prosperity. Lilies r epresent purity, elegance, and sophistication. They can also symbolise devotion and commitment.
Czech Republic
Celebrated on May 1st, many young couples make a pilgrimage to the statue of Karol Hynek Macha, a famous Czech poet, for the occasion. This statue in Prague stands near a grove of cherry trees, under which the lovers kiss for good luck.