By: Glenda Tsai

As Valentine’s day nears, there are many different traditions around the world! In Western culture, we have the typical chocolate and flowers, but many countries add their own twist to them! Here are some common traditions:

Denmark: Pressed White Flowers and Joke Letters

Rather than fresh flowers, they give pressed flowers, specifically pressed snowdrops. They also give poems as a gift, but would be signed off with dots, so the recipient has to guess who they got it from.

South Korea: Husbands and Boyfriends Receive Chocolates

Husbands and boyfriends are treated with lots of chocolate and flowers on Valentine’s day. Women are treated with these gifts on March 14, “White day.”

Japan: A Specific Type of Chocolate

Similarly to South Korea, Men are treated with these chocolates. However, all men, including friends, coworkers, and bosses are all spoiled with these chocolates. There are different meanings for each type of chocolate gifted, though. Obligatory chocolate, called “giri choco” is for platonic relationships and true love chocolate, called “honmei choco” along with a handmade gift, are given to your valentine. They also celebrate White day. 

Germany: Chocolate Pigs and Gingerbread

The odd tradition of chocolate pigs actually represents luck. Anything pig-themed is exchanged with your valentine. They also have huge heart-shaped gingerbread with icing written messages.

Norfolk, England: Jack Valentine

Similar to Santa, Jack Valentine will leave gifts on the front porch for Valentine’s Day. The celebrations there tend to be very exuberant and elaborate.

The Philippines: Mass weddings

Filippinos celebrate this holidays by having mass weddings. Couples living in poverty tend to celebrate at the same time as this is how they afford marriage. Local government agencies tend to sponsor these weddings as well.

Ghana: National Chocolate Day

Ghana celebrates National Chocolate Day on February 14th. As one of the top cocoa bean exporters, they hold tastings, dinner, and many events to promote them.

Estonia: the original “Galentine’s day”

You may have heard of “Galentine’s day.” In Estonia it’s called Sobrapaev, and they celebrate the day with their friends and family rather than their sweetheart.

Taiwan: A Specific Number of Flowers

They celebrate the holiday similarly, however, the number of flowers — usually roses —  that girls receive often carries a message. The numbers are homonyms to sweet Chinese sayings. Red coloured roses mean “you’re the only one for me” Ninety-nine roses mean “I will love you forever.” One hundred and eight roses represent a proposal, asking “will you marry me?” 

Try some of these traditions this Valentine’s day with your loved one!