Most people have their own definition of what Valentine’s Day is or should be. Some people may think it’s all about the gifts, the average annual spending on Valentine’s Day is $13,290,000,000! Others may think it’s all about spending quality time with each other, who cares about the gifts. Outside of the United States, people celebrate Valentine’s Day in common ways, such as exchanging gifts or going out to dinner, but culturally the meaning could be very different. Across the world they have their very own traditions you might not have heard of!
South Korea
Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a special day for everyone whether you are in a relationship or not but in other countries like South Korea, Valentine’s Day seems to be strictly for couples. In the United States, single people like to celebrate the holiday with their friends stuffing their faces with chocolate while watching a movie. While in South Korea holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas, people specifically try to meet someone to celebrate the day with!
If someone is in a relationship on Valentine’s Day usually they can expect some sort of gift, right? In South Korea it is the same except sometimes the gift giving is from the girl to the boy not vice versa. The girls in the relationship typically buy chocolates or other candies for their boyfriends this day because next month there is a day dedicated to girlfriends called White Day, on March 14. On White Day the custom is to buy the girl candy and other gifts to return the favor she gave to him on Valentine’s Day. Of course, not everyone might follow this tradition, but some do. And if so, what lucky girls! Am I right?
France
Paris, France is said to be the most romantic place on earth. People from all over the world go there to celebrate their love for each other. Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for lovers in France. Some common gifts in France that are similar to the United States are chocolates and flowers. One thing that not every couple does is give letters to each other. Even though exchanging love letters is unpopular nowadays, it is said that the first Valentine’s Day love letter came from France. Some people think that Charles, Duke of Orleans, started the tradition when he sent love letters to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.
Mexico
Just like in the United States, Valentine’s Day is not only a celebration of love between couples, but also between friends and family. February 14th is celebrated in Mexico as El Dia del Amor y la Amistad, or “The Day of Love and Friendship”. In Mexico, if a man wants to express his love to a special girl he can do many things. One of the traditional ways to do this in on the evening of Valentine’s Day, wait outside the girl’s house with a Mariachi Band by his side and flowers in his hand. This might not be to common these days, but mariachi bands are still very popular in restaurants and on the street during celebrations and holidays such as this one.
Some of the most popular gifts to give on Valentine’s Day in Mexico is red roses and balloons. Vendors are selling them everywhere you look during the week of Valentine’s Day for lovers to buy. The balloons are usually printed with loving words in Spanish such as Te Amo—“I love you” and Para mi Amor—“For my love.”
If you ever get the chance to travel with your partner, try to go during this special time to see these wonderful traditions!