St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love, romance, and affection. While it is widely known as a Western holiday, the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day has transcended borders and cultures, with different countries putting their unique spin on the festivities. In this blog post, we will explore how various cultures around the world celebrate this special day, highlighting the diverse traditions and customs that make St. Valentine’s Day a global celebration of love.

 

United States:

In the United States, St. Valentine’s Day is marked by the exchange of cards, chocolates, and flowers. It is a day when couples express their love and affection for each other through romantic gestures and heartfelt gifts. Many Americans also celebrate by going out for a romantic dinner or enjoying a night out together.

 

Japan:

In Japan, St. Valentine’s Day is a bit different. On February 14th, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men. However, there are different types of chocolates that convey different meanings. “Giri-choco” is given as an obligation or courtesy to male friends, colleagues, or bosses, while “Honmei-choco” is reserved for romantic partners. A month later, on March 14th, Japan celebrates “White Day,” when men return the favor by giving gifts to women.

 

South Korea:

In South Korea, St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a similar way to Japan, but with an interesting twist. Apart from the usual exchange of chocolates and gifts, South Korea has also designated April 14th as “Black Day.” On this day, those who did not receive any gifts on Valentine’s Day or White Day gather to eat jajangmyeon, a black bean noodle dish, as a way to commiserate and support each other.

 

Brazil:

In Brazil, St. Valentine’s Day is not celebrated on February 14th but on June 12th. Known as “Dia dos Namorados,” it is a day dedicated to couples. Saint Anthony’s Day, the patron saint of marriage, is celebrated the following day. Single women typically perform rituals, known as simpatias, in the hope that they will be next to marry. Brazilians celebrate with romantic dinners, exchanging gifts, and expressing their love for one another. It is also common for friends to organize parties and events to celebrate friendship and love.

 

South Africa:

In South Africa, St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a unique cultural touch. Alongside the usual traditions of gift-giving and romantic gestures, it is common for women to wear red clothing to symbolize their love and passion. In recent years, the day has also become an opportunity for charitable acts, with many South Africans using the occasion to help those in need.

 

Estonia:

Estonians on February 14th, friendship rather than romantic love is celebrated during Sobrapaev, literally translated as ‘Friendship Day’. The same happens in Finland where the celebration is knowns as Ystävän Päivä.

 

Czech Republic:

In Czech Republic although in recent years Valentine’s Day has become more popular, it is May 1st when Czech lovers traditionally celebrate. Many couples make a pilgrimage to the statue of poet Karel Hynek Mácha in Petrin Park, whilst a kiss beneath the cherry blossom is meant to bring good luck for the coming year.

 

Spain:

Finally the Spanish, things are slightly different here. Although some parts of the country traditionally celebrate February 14th with flowers, chocolates and so on, in Aragon and Catalonia they wait until 23 April… and it’s well worth the wait.
These regions of Spain instead celebrate the Day of Love and Friendship in the name of Sant Jordi (Saint George), a tradition since 1094.
According to legend, it was Sant Jordi who saved an important princess from the clutches of a dragon that was stalking the village. The knight cut off the head of the beast, and from its blood, a red rose was born, which he took and presented to the princess.

 

Conclusion:

St. Valentine’s Day is a day that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together to celebrate love and affection. From the traditional exchange of cards and chocolates in the United States to the unique customs of Japan, Brazil, South Korea, and South Africa, each country adds its own flavor to this global celebration. As an interpreting company, we recognize the importance of cultural understanding and appreciate the diverse ways in which love is expressed and celebrated around the world. May this St. Valentine’s Day be a reminder of the universal language of love that connects us all.