Valentine’s Day Traditions Around The World

It is said that love does not need a special date to celebrate, that every day is already a day of love, but if we look back at the past days and be honest, most of us probably did not have every day of love at all…

February 14 is Valentine’s Day. Part of the couple celebrates it, part – no, but most agree that seeing happy lovers walking down the street on this day makes everyone happy and unhappy. On this day we all believe that the earth is really spinning with love.

In this article I want to share with you how people celebrate Valentine’s Day from different countries

Let’s start with Romania

If you’re looking for some very romantic and unusual celebration of valentine’s day around the world, then Romanians won’t disappoint you. The day is celebrated on 24th Feb as the day when young couples get engaged. It is basically a mix of Valentine’s Day and the celebration of spring season. Young men and women go to the forests to pick colorful flowers, while other couples wash their faces with snow as a sign of good luck.There is a common belief in Romania that those who participate in Dragobete festivities are protected against sickness for the entire year. Traditionally, on this day, young Romanians used to dress in their Sunday dresses and meet in the center of the village or in front of the church. They used to go singing, if the weather was good, look for snowdrops or other spring flowers, tell stories and play games. The present day Valentine’s Day celebrations borrow heavily from the traditions of the past.

In the recent times, the Romanians have begun to celebrate their Valentine’s Day on 14th February, just like most of the other countries in the world. Romanians celebrate this day by giving gifts to their loved one. Cards and flowers are given to make each other feel special and wanted. Gift baskets are also common. Young lovers treat their mates in a very special way, on this romantic occasion. It is not uncommon to find people going out for a movie or candle light dinner with their valentine.

Poland

If you are in Poland and thinking how to spend the perfect Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to brainstorm much. The place has a multitude of things to offer. In case you are a party creature and want to spend some jazzy time with your partner, the country has a range of pubs and clubs that you can choose from.

The Netherlands

In The Netherlands, Valentine’s Day is not only regarded as a romantic event, to be celebrated by lovers, but is also observed as a day of friendship and companionship. The younger generation particularly makes it a point to enjoy the event to the max and hence parties are held, involving a lot of merry making and fun.

Austria

Each place has its unique customs and traditions of celebrating a festival and when it comes to Valentine’s Day, the customs of the romantic place called Austria are very fascinating and intriguing. It has been a long-standing tradition for men in the country to buy flowers for their sweetheart, on this day. Although there seems nothing special about this tradition, an interesting twist is that the men have to pay attention to the details.

France

It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card was originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from the prison in 1415. And the French village called “Valentine” turns into the epicenter of romance between 12th and 14th February. One can see the beautiful yards, trees, and homes decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes. It probably is the most beautiful Valentine’s Day traditions in the world.

South Korea

The romantic couples in South Korea celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. Yeah, you read it right! “the day of roses” is celebrated in May, “the day of kisses” is celebrated in June, “the day of hugs in December” and single people celebrate “the black day” in April by eating black noodles. It is a completely different Valentine’s Day tradition around the world.

Every country is different and distinctive but we are all united by one thing – love. That’s why Valentine’s Day is one of the most beloved holidays.

Autor: Tebea Jikidze

• Tweet
• Pin It