A day of love, affection, and romance, February 14th holds a special place in the hearts of many. This annual tradition of showcasing love brings with it anticipation and excitement, a classic celebration seemingly as old as time itself. Yet, while Americans are busy writing cards. picking flowers, and buying chocolates, different countries across the globe take part in their own unique traditions.
In South Korea and Japan, February 14th marks a day of love. Women give chocolates to men they admire and–one month later on March 14th, or “White Day” – men give women expensive gifts. Argentina also celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Their celebration, “Semana de la Dulzura,” meaning “Sweetness Week”, lasts for seven days. During this time, they exchange gifts and confections with loved ones.
Many other countries celebrate similar love-themed holidays, but not in February. Israelis, for example, honor the Jewish Tu B’av tradition each summer. Representing rebirth and love, Tu B’av is centered around the exchange of heart-shaped gifts and flowers. On June 12th, Brazilians celebrate Dia dos Namorados, or “Lover’s Day”. Other countries opt to observe their romantic holidays earlier in the winter. Wales, for example, celebrates St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25th. Honoring local tradition, men give women hand-carved wooden spoons as tokens of their love. Lastly, China’s Qixi Festival marks a day of love on the seventh day of the seventh month on the lunar calendar. This practice is deeply rooted in an ancient tale of forbidden love between a weaver and a cowherd. In addition to exchanging gifts, women carve patterns into melon skins to honor this story.
Oftentimes, it is easy to quickly associate Valentine’s Day with cards, gifts, and flowers. However, people all across the world each see the beloved holiday differently. From summer festivals to the exchange of special gifts, each country has its own unique ways of honoring love and friendship.
