Older brother
The traditional Valentine’s Day gift in England is not chocolates or roses, but hand-engraved silver spoons. Couples often give each other sets of silver spoons engraved with the symbol of a key - a lock, symbolizing giving the key to their hearts to their other half.
France
Valentine's Day traditions in France are very special. They will ask single people to go into the same house and face each other. Two people in the house will take turns calling other people in until they find a match.
If the men didn’t like the woman they met, they would simply leave so she could find someone else. The women who couldn’t find a partner would gather together and light fires to burn or tear up the photos of the men who rejected them. They would curse as they did so, and it became so bad that the French government banned them from gathering after the event.
China
On the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, people in China celebrate the Qixi Festival, which originates from the legend that the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meet only once a year, not on February 14th as in European tradition.
Virtue
In Germany, pigs are considered a symbol of luck and love, so they often appear on Valentine's Day cards and gifts. Images of pigs are often accompanied by another lucky symbol, the four-leaf clover.
Finland & Estonia
In both countries, February 14th is called Valentine's Day, so people usually spend more time on friendship than love. On this day, they will give each other cards or gifts to their friends.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, February 14 is also known as Winemakers' Day, so while couples celebrate the day together, singles often have a glass or two of wine.
Japan
In Japan, women give gifts to men on Valentine's Day. And exactly one month later (March 14), known as White Day, men give women a gift along with chocolate.
Brazil
Valentine's Day in Brazil is called Dia dos Namorados, usually celebrated on June 12. On this day, single women often perform rituals in the hope of finding good husbands.
South Africa
In South Africa, women often pin a heart-shaped piece of paper on their sleeve, with the name of their lover or someone they admire written on it.
Ghana
In Ghana, February 14 is considered national chocolate day to promote tourism with the aim of making Ghana the largest chocolate producing country in the world.
Philippines
In the Philippines, they often hold mass weddings on Valentine's Day and hundreds of couples participate in this often government-sponsored event.
Iraq
On Valentine’s Day in Iraq, people often go out with red symbols such as giant teddy bears, hearts, balloons or roses. However, this action is condemned by many, so many Iraqi couples will visit parks or give other nice gifts.
Selina Nguyen (DM)
