Valentine’s Day Around The World
We know all about Valentine’s Day here in the U.S.—flowers, chocolates, pink and red hearts—but did you know there are many versions of Valentine’s Day all around the world? Here are some ways other countries celebrate love:
Catalonia The region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain celebrates St. George’s Day on April 23rd, a holiday also known as The Day of the Book. On this day, people show their gratitude for friends and loved ones by exchanging roses and books.
Romania On February 24th in Romania, it is a tradition for young couples to give one another celebratory spring flowers as the season changes from winter to spring.
China The Qixi Festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar year. In Chinese mythology, a cowherd falls in love with a beautiful fairy and they are banished from one another by the Goddess of Heaven. On this day, once a year, it is said that the two lovers are able to reunite.
Japan On February 14th in Japan, chocolate is exchanged, a concept we are not unfamiliar with. But in Japan, there are different types of chocolate depending on what message you want to convey—’obligation chocolate’ for coworkers, for example, or ‘honmei-choko,’ reserved for significant others.
South Korea There are many holidays in South Korea that celebrate love, but our favorite is December 14th, also known as Hug Day.
We hope you enjoy our own Valentine’s Day, whether you are celebrating the love of family, friends or significant others!
