Valentine’s Day traditions around the world can be surprisingly different. Taking place on February 14th, in
North America, this day is named after St. Valentine. Historians, yet, say the origin and history of Valentine’s Day are still a mystery.
They believe there are two different saints that can be St. Valentine and, in fact, it does not seem like a love story. Learn more in-depth about Valentine’s Day origin in this National Geographic article.
In Canada, people celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving gifts to their loved ones. Most designed for couples, generally for your romantic partner, but can also be for a good friend or your favourite person. Often the celebration will be a romantic dinner or anything that involves your date or partner. Malls will be with decorations of hearts and red roses with a predominant colour tone in pink and red. Chocolates, cards, flowers and teddy bears fill the mall’s windows.
Aiming to celebrate love, the Valentine’s Day traditions around the world can be completely different ways. Some on the same date, others on different dates but always with the same purpose. Here are 5 different and interesting countries chosen by Keystone:
Estonia and Finland (Friend’s Day)
In Estonia and Finland, February 14th is known as “Friend’s Day”. This is designed for friends, couples and even platonic loves. Couples and groups of friends celebrate Friend’s Day by getting together for skating, dinner and fun activities of choice.
South Korea (White Day)
Valentine’s Day in Korea is celebrated 3 times a year. February 14th is actually only for women to give men chocolates or flowers. The men who receive these gifts will then on March 14th, known as “White Day” give gifts to the women. The following month, yet, on April 14th, is known as “Black Day” for the one who does not have a partner. Single people celebrate by mourning their loneliness and eating traditional foods.
Brazil (Lover’s Day)
While Brazil does not have any celebration on February 14th, they celebrate love on June 12th, known as “Lover’s Day”. The celebration is like the rest of the world for Valentine’s Day, couples exchange gifts and perform romantic activities. Still, the next day, June 13th is Saint Anthony’s day, where they believe he is the patron saint of marriage, women pray for the saint to find her a husband.
India (Rose Day)
On February 7th India celebrates the so-called “Rose Day”. Rose Day is celebrated by the young population, where people express feelings by gifting a red rose to his / her loved ones. They also believe that it is the perfect time to start a new relationship, be it friendship or romantic love.
Ghana (Chocolate Day)
Chocolate Day is celebrated on February 14th to coincide with Valentine’s Day. This day was instituted by the Tourism Authority of Ghana, with the aim of boosting the domestic consumption of chocolate and other cocoa-based products and promoting tourism.
How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day? If you are not sure, Keystone suggests some easy and delicious Valentine Theme Recipes recipes in our February Newsletter. Don’t forget to let us know in the comments how you celebrate Valentine’s Day in your country!
