Travel
8 DIFFERENT VALENTINE’S DAY CUSTOMS AROUND THE GLOBE
Some people argue that Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a Hallmark Holiday created for consumers. Whether you feel this way or not one thing is for sure, Valentine’s Day has become a hit worldwide. Almost all countries have their own special day for love, although not all of them involve boxes of chocolate and a dozen red roses.
So just how do other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day? I asked some of my fellow bloggers and expat friends how this popular holiday is celebrated in their own country.
South Korea
South Korea seems to have a Valentine’s Day for everyone, but they’re just not all on the same day! The traditional “Valentine’s Day” (February 14th) is a notorious couples day, but unlike Western tradition, it’s the guys who get presents…specifically chocolates! The chocolate gifts can range anywhere from simple chocolates to gift baskets with stuffed animals. However, girls get their opportunity to receive some wooing back on “White Day” (March 14th), when guys give girls candies. This particular day was actually a tradition adopted from Japan.
If you’re single, then worry not! Koreans haven’t forgotten those who fly solo either. In fact, there’s actually a day for singles too called “Black Day” (April 14th). On this day, singles get together to celebrate their freedom or to commiserate with each other by eating Jjajangmyeon (black noodles). This dish is an odd compensation for not being in a couple, but Koreans sure seem to appreciate it nonetheless.
–Christine Kaaloa, GRRRLTRAVELER.
Japan
As mentioned above, the Korean Valentine’s Day partly was adopted from Japan‘s celebration of Valentine’s Day and White Day. On February 14th, women are the ones spoiling men by giving them chocolates of all kind and expense. Even though the men get to sit back and enjoy the appreciation, they are required to return the favor a month later on White Day.
–Beth Williams, Travels in Translation
Malaysia
In Malaysia, they celebrate their day of love on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, similarly to China. On this day, women write their phone numbers on oranges before tossing them into the river. While most women hope that the man of their dreams will be the one to pick it up, it’s actually usually fruit vendors who collect the oranges out of the river, only to resell them– with the phone numbers and all!
China
Chinese Valentine’s Day, known as Qixi, is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. In China it is believed that craftiness is essential for a successful family, so girls pay to the Goddess of Weaving Zhi Nu. They then go about practicing these skills by carving melons and ox horns for good luck. At nighttime, they try their luck at floating a needle on water. If it sinks, they are not ready to find a husband; but if it floats, it’s time to get looking!
The Netherlands
Until recently, Valentine’s Day was never really celebrated in the Netherlands. Dutch Valentijnsdag involves fun Valentine’s Day activities like special love boat tours through the canals, and fancy dinner reservations. While candies and chocolates are starting to make their way into this holiday, it is still most customary to simply give people a card.
–Anita Lucius, A Kid at Heart
Scotland
People in Scotland give the same gifts anywhere else– flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and whatnot, but they also like to hold fun Valentine’s Day parties. At the get-together, single people would write down their names, and put them into gender-specified hats. Everyone will then draw a name and couples are paired off for the evening based on the names the women pick.
Poland
Valentine’s Day, Polish “Walentynki”, has been observed in Poland since the collapse of Communism and the opening of Poland’s borders. Poles were quick to adopt Valentine’s Day and nowadays it’s as popular in Poland as anywhere else. Greeting cards and heart-themed gifts abound at gift shops, and hotels, resorts and restaurants offer special packages for romantic getaways. On that day, all women receive special attention, usually flowers, sweets and small gifts, not only privately, but at work and schools.
Get-togethers are arranged and the event is celebrated in a grand manner. Having a traditional Polish dinner and exchanging gifts is a major part of the celebration and tokens of love are exchanged between partners, friends and even family members. For the young, it is about expressing and committing, while for the adults, it is about celebrating their years of togetherness. Popular gifting ideas are heart shaped chocolates, Valentine cards, cupids and so on. Nowadays, live concerts and shows are arranged and people dwell in the true essence of the festival.
–Agness, eTramping
Mexico
Día del Amor y la Amistad, meaning “Love and Friendship Day” is celebrated in Mexico. Couples will give each other flowers and chocolates, but don’t worry if you’re single since this day is also about celebrating friendships. Friends are randomly assigned a partner to give secret small gifts and tokens of appreciation– think Secret Santa, except it’s Secret Valentine!