What do you think of when it comes to Valentine’s Day? Flowers, chocolates, a candle lit meal with your significant other? It’s interesting to know that not every culture celebrates this romantic day. However, there are many cultures that do celebrate it yet don’t follow the ‘typical’ western traditions. It’s a celebration that varies around the world although there is always the common denominator of love. Here are a few of the interesting customs that I’ve discovered on my travels and that my friends around the world have shared with me.

Bulgaria – Wine & Love

Although traditional western style Valentine’s day is popular with the younger population, many people celebrate or incorporate ‘Trifon Zarezan’, the holiday of the wine-makers. This occasion marks the time of year when the wine growers trim their vines, the end of winter and start of spring. It’s also known as Winemakers Day or The Wine Holiday. So the date of 14th of February is meant to celebrate wine and love. Some people say that if you are in relationship you can celebrate with your partner and if you are not you can just enjoy and celebrate with wine!!

Germany – Pigs

The pig represents luck and lust in Germany! So although many people follow the traditions of exchanging gifts of chocolates and flowers, there is an unusual tradition followed by some. A pig may be offered too in the form of a stuffed cuddly toy, chocolates or shaped cookies. Usually accompanied by a romantic message such as “Ich liebe dich” (I love you). Not sure how I’d feel about receiving any form of a pig to be honest!

The Philippines – Mass Weddings

Valentine’s Day in The Philippines is taken seriously and celebrated with themed donuts, cakes, chocolates and huge declarations of love! It’s the time of year for mass weddings! Hundreds of couples (sometimes thousands) will ‘tie the knot’ and marry in unison! These events around the country can be huge and are typically sponsored by the government for those who are unable to afford traditional church weddings.

Japan – Celebrating Twice

In Japan, there are actually two Valentine’s Days. On February 14th, the ladies give chocolates to the males they admire, however the men do not reciprocate! Chocolate is also given as a not-romantic gift to friends, colleagues, or bosses on this day. The second ‘Valentine’s Day’ is called White Day and is celebrated on March 14th. This is when the men return the gesture of love, and some say they do so with more expensive and lavish gifts!

Mexico – Love and Friendship

‘Día del Amor y la Amistad’ (Day of love and friendship) is celebrated in Mexico with flowers, balloons and romantic dinners. However this time of year is not only for celebrating romance, it’s also considered a time of year to share your love and appreciation for friends and family by spending time with them and sending messages to wish them a happy day.

Taiwan – Flower Power

The Taiwanese celebrate Valentine’s Day and White Day, similarly to the Japanese, but they also have another special day. On July 7th, (7th day of the 7th month) men give women flowers, typically roses, and the colour and number of flowers all have different meanings. One hundred and eight apparently means “Will you marry me?”.

South Korea – Every Month is Love Month

Young couples generally celebrate Valentine’s Day in the same way as counterparts in western countries. But couples in South Korea also celebrate love in some way throughout the entire year. For example March 14th is ‘White Day’ (Japanese style), May 14th is ‘Day of roses’, June 14th ‘Day of kisses’ and December 14th ‘Day of hugs’! When it comes to the singletons, they get together to eat black noodles and commiserate with one another. The ‘official’ date is April 14th and known as ‘Black Day’. It seems like the western equivalent of ‘Galentine’s Day’ when single ladies celebrate (or commiserate) their singledom on February 14th!

Argentina – A Week of Sweetness

Valentine’s Day - ‘Día de los Enamorados’ is celebrated lightly in Argentina, not to the same extent as other countries. Why is this you may ask? Well Argentineans celebrate and entire week of love! ‘Semana de la Dulzura’ (Sweetness Week) is celebrated throughout the country from the 1st– 7th July. Sweet delights such as chocolates and bon bons are given to loved ones all week long.

UK & USA – Love to Love

Greeting cards, chocolates, flowers, gifts and romantic dinners are the way to celebrate, but it’s interesting to know that it’s not all about couples. Schoolchildren also exchange cards with one another to show friendship. Appreciation is often shown to teachers with the students offering small gifts and flowers.

What’s your favourite way of celebrating Valentine’s Day? Wine, chocolates, black noodles, pigs? I love them all (although I’m still not sure how I feel about the pig)!

Julia Esteve Boyd

The Etiquette Consultant