Valentine’s Day Traditions from around the World – Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe. Come Valentine’s Day, candy, flowers and other gifts are exchanged between sweethearts in one of the many traditions associated with the holiday. See what other countries give.

Valentine’s Day Traditions from around the World

The origins of Valentine’s Day are largely unknown. Some suggest Valentine’s Day was initially a way to honor St. Valentine on the anniversary of his death. Others believe it was the Christian church’s way of Christianizing the Pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture.

Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day is now celebrated by millions and is one of the retail industry’s most lucrative shopping holidays. Many different traditions are linked to Valentine’s Day. Here is a list of the interesting ways Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe.

Check out why Valentine’s Day is celebrated February 14!

South Korea and Japan

In South Korea & Japan, men get to enjoy the spotlight on Valentine’s Day, as women bestow gifts of chocolate on them. In return, a month later men reciprocate with gifts for women on White Day. However, South Koreans take Valentine’s Day a step further on Black Day, which falls on April 14. This is an opportunity for all single people who may not have received Valentine’s Day gifts to gather at restaurants and eat a dish called “black noodles” as they celebrate their singleton status.

Denmark and Norway

These Scandinavian countries didn’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day until recently, but have now put their own spin on the traditions. Men write funny poems or rhyming love notes called Gaekkebrev (gækkebrev)  and send them to women anonymously. Women must try to guess their admirers by counting dots that are put on the note that correspond to the number of letters in the man’s name.

Estonia

In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is a day more devoted to friendship than romantic love. It is called “Sõbrapäev” in Estonian, which translates to “Friend’s Day.” Cards and gifts are exchanged among friends.

Wales

In Wales, Valentine’s Day is not celebrated. Rather, the Welsh commemorate St. Dwynwen’s Day, who is their patron saint of lovers on January 25. It is customary to gift love-spoons, a tradition that likely stems from the practice of sailors carving intricately decorated spoons of wood and presenting them to women they were interested in courting or marrying.

France

Considered to be one of the most romantic countries in the world, France can be an ideal place to participate in Valentine’s Day traditions. The French have an old custom called “une loterie d’amour,” which is a drawing for love. Single men and women of all ages once entered houses that faced one another and took turns calling out to one another to find romantic matches. The men could refuse the match and leave the woman looking for another man to call on. Women who were not paired up would light a bonfire and damn the men who rejected them. The French government eventually banned the practice because of rowdy crowds.

Italy

Italian lovers celebrate Valentine’s Day in much the same way as Americans. One interesting Valentine’s tradition in Italy is locking padlocks to different structures, called “Lucchetti dell’Amore (locks of love).” Couples attach the locks to bridges, railings and lamp posts, inscribe their names and throw away the key. The action suggests the couple will be together forever.

If your country wasn’t listed, please share how and when your country celebrates Valentine’s Day, if it celebrates it.

Check out these Valentine Related Blog Post:

Below are some Valentine Blog posts you might want to check out. Check back often, as this list may be added to.

1. 40+ Christian Pick Up Lines
2. A-Z of Valentine’s Day
3. Candy Hearts, Popular candies share sweet words of love
4. Colors of Valentine’s Day
5. Happy Valentine’s Day
6. Hearts and Valentine’s Day are forever intertwined
7. Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box and its Sewing Origins
8. History of Kissing
9. How Chocolate Became Tied to Valentine’s Day
10. How did “XO” come to symbolize kisses and hugs?
11. Origins of the Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box
12. Penny Date
13. Purse Puzzles
14. Types of Chocolates
15. Valentine in John 3:16
16. Valentine’s Day Traditions from Around the World
17. Valentine’s Day Quiz Printable
18. Who is St. Valentine?
19. Why is Valentine’s Day Celebrated on February 14th?

Article compliments of Metro Creative. TF172768. First published January 29, 2017. Last republished or updated January 12, 2024.

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About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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