Valentine's Day is celebrated differently around the world, with unique traditions that can be quirky, romantic, or just plain weird. From strange customs to unusual gift-giving, these international Valentine's Day traditions will make you see the holiday in a whole new light. Here are 11 weird Valentine's traditions from around the globe.
1. Black Day in South Korea
In South Korea, singles mourn their solo status on Black Day, A Valentine's-themed holiday where people wear black and eat black noodles to symbolize their singleness. This unusual tradition is a stark contrast to the romantic celebrations that take place on Valentine's Day.
2. Women Proposing in Ireland
In Ireland, women take the lead on Valentine's Day by proposing to men, a tradition that dates back to the 5th century. This reversed proposal tradition is said to have originated from a legend about St. Bridget, who complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait too long for men to propose.
3. Ystävänpäivä in Finland
In Finland, Valentine's Day is known as Ystävänpäivä, which translates to "Friend's Day." On this day, Finns celebrate friendships and show appreciation for their friends, rather than romantic partners. This unique tradition focuses on the importance of platonic relationships.
4. Gaekkebrev in Denmark
In Denmark, men send women funny poems and rhymes called "gaekkebrev" on Valentine's Day. If a woman receives a gaekkebrev, she has to guess who sent it, and if she guesses correctly, she gets an Easter egg on Easter. This lighthearted tradition adds a playful touch to Valentine's Day.
5. Lottefestival in Japan
In Japan, there's a unique festival called Lottefestival, where women give men chocolates on Valentine's Day, but with a twist.
The chocolates are divided into two categories: "giri-choco" (obligation chocolates) and "honmei-choco" (true feeling chocolates). The type of chocolate given depends on the relationship between the giver and receiver.
6. Dragobete in Romania
In Romania, Dragobete is a traditional Valentine's Day celebration where men and women compete in dances, sing songs, and engage in matchmaking rituals. This ancient festival has its roots in pagan traditions and is still observed in some parts of the country.
7. Love Locks in France
In France, love locks are a popular tradition where couples attach padlocks with their names or initials to bridges and throw the key into the water, symbolizing their eternal love. This romantic gesture has become a tourist attraction, but some cities have banned it due to structural concerns.
8. Kerelts in Wales
In Wales, men give women intricately carved wooden spoons called "kerelts" on Valentine's Day. The spoon's design can signify different things, such as a chain for a desire to be together or a flower for love. This unique tradition showcases Welsh craftsmanship and thoughtfulness.
9. Flower War in South Africa
In South Africa, the Flower War is a unique Valentine's Day tradition where men and women engage in a playful battle, throwing flowers at each other.
This lighthearted celebration is said to have originated from the indigenous Khoisan people, who used flowers to express love and friendship.
10. Anti-Valentine's Day in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day is banned, and instead, people celebrate an anti-Valentine's Day, where they promote modesty and adherence to Islamic values. The government has strict rules against public displays of affection, and people who defy these rules face penalties.
11. White Day in China
In China, White Day is celebrated on March 14th, exactly a month after Valentine's Day. On this day, men return the favors they received on Valentine's Day by giving gifts to the women in their lives.
This tradition originated in Japan but has become increasingly popular in China, where it's seen as a way to balance out the romantic gestures made on Valentine's Day.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.