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Older brother
The traditional Valentine's Day gift in England isn't chocolate or roses, but rather hand-engraved silver spoons. Couples often exchange sets of silver spoons engraved with key and lock symbols, representing giving each other the key to their hearts.
France
The Valentine's Day tradition in France is quite unique. They require single people to enter a house and face each other. The two people in the house will take turns calling others in until they find a partner.
If men don't like the women they meet, they simply leave so the woman can call someone else. Women who can't find a partner gather together and build fires to burn or tear up photos of the men who rejected them. They also hurl insults while doing so, and the situation became so serious that the French government banned their gatherings 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 of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meeting only once a year, and not on February 14th as in European tradition.
Virtue
In Germany, pigs are considered symbols of good 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 known as Friendship Day, so people tend to prioritize friendship over romantic love. On this day, they exchange cards or gifts with their friends.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, February 14th is also known as Winemakers' Day, so while couples celebrate the day together, single people often have a drink or two.
Japan
In Japan, women give gifts to men on Valentine's Day. And exactly one month later (March 14th), known as White Valentine's Day, men reciprocate by giving women a gift along with chocolate.
Brazil
Valentine's Day in Brazil is called Dia dos Namorados, usually celebrated on June 12th. On this day, single women often perform rituals in the hope of finding a good husband.
South Africa
In South Africa, women often pin a heart-shaped piece of paper to their sleeves, with the name of their lover or someone they admire written on it.
Ghana
In Ghana, February 14th is celebrated as National Chocolate Day to promote tourism and aim to make Ghana the world's largest chocolate producer.
Philippines
In the Philippines, they often hold mass weddings on Valentine's Day, with hundreds of couples participating in this usually government-sponsored event.
Iraq
On Valentine's Day in Iraq, people often go out with red symbols like giant teddy bears, hearts, balloons, or roses. However, this practice is condemned by many, so many Iraqi couples visit parks or exchange other pretty gifts instead.
Selina Nguyen (DM)
