Valentine’s Day 2024: Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions and Celebrations From Around the World That Are Worth Knowing
Every Valentine’s Day, in many countries, people express love through gifts, cards, and roses. But what about traditions worldwide? Let’s take a look at some of the unique Valentine’s Day celebrations and traditions from around the world.
Valentine's Day comes alive every year with the various love traditions worldwide. Many countries ditch the cliched roses and cards for more unique ways of celebrating the day of love. From heart-pinning in South Africa to pig-shaped gifts in Germany, and from celebrating with specific chocolates in Japan to letter writing in Italy, we explore the diverse ways in which cultures celebrate love. Join us as we discover unique Valentine's Day traditions and celebrations from around the world. Valentine's Day 2024: Zoos in the US Will Let You Name a Cockroach, Veggie or Rodent After Your Ex, and Have It Fed to a Resident Animal.
Japan
In Japan, Valentine's Day is celebrated with chocolate. People express their love and affection through different chocolates. If a person is interested in you, you might receive the ‘honmei choco,’ a special chocolate that means true love chocolate. If you are a friend or a relative, then you get the ‘giri choco' or obligation chocolate. This is done to let platonic friends know where they stand. Valentine Week 2024 Date Sheet: Check the Full List of Love Week Till Valentine's Day.
Germany
Germany has a charming Valentine’s Day tradition and way of celebrating. In German culture, the pig symbolises both love and lust, making pig statues and stuffed animals popular gifts. Beyond its romantic significance, the pig is also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. As a result, stores during this season are filled with keepsakes, cartoons, and figurines of pigs.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Valentine's Day is a popular time for weddings. Instead of going through the hassle of planning and booking, couples celebrate the day by joining mass wedding ceremonies held in public spaces. This unique tradition lets couples either exchange vows for the first time or renew their commitment together by sharing in the celebrations of love.
Verona
In this romantic city, where Romeo and Juliet's love story unfolded, Valentine's Day is celebrated with free concerts in the Piazza dei Signori, charming heart-shaped lanterns lighting up the town, and a letter-writing contest for Juliet. Lovers can express their feelings in the love-letter writing contest, while food lovers can enjoy the food from local restaurants during this celebration of love.
South Africa
In South Africa, on Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 15, women openly express their love and affection for their loved ones. They literally wear their hearts on their sleeves, or rather, they celebrate Valentine’s Day by pinning the name of their love interest to their sleeves. If that's too daring, subtle gestures like giving flowers or small gifts are also given. Valentine's Day: Why is 'Red' Considered the Colour of Love? Know The Significant Reasons.
We hope this list has inspired you to celebrate Valentine's Day 2024 differently. From pig-shaped gifts to heart-pinning in South Africa, these unique Valentine’s Day traditions and celebrations from around the world add a special touch to celebrating love.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2024 05:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).