Valentine’s Day 2025: Unique Love Traditions Across the World

“From friendship celebrations in Finland to mass weddings in the Philippines, discover how different countries honor love in their own special way.”

February 5, 2025: Valentine’s Day 2025 is fast approaching, and while many celebrate February 14 with romantic gestures, traditions around the world vary widely. From humorous “snowdrop letters” in Denmark to mass weddings in the Philippines, here’s a glimpse into how love is celebrated globally.

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1. Finland: Friendship Day

In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä, meaning “Friendship Day.” Instead of romantic gestures, Finns show appreciation for friends through small tokens and kind words.

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2. Japan: Women Lead, Men Follow

Japanese women shower their partners with gifts on Valentine’s Day. A month later, on White Day (March 14), men reciprocate by returning the favor, often with chocolates or jewelry.

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3. Denmark & Norway: Snowdrop Letters

These countries exchange “lover’s cards,” sometimes anonymously. A tradition involves gaekkebrev—intricately cut paper letters with poems, signed with dots. Guessing the sender earns you an Easter egg.

4. England: Singing for Love

Children sing door-to-door in exchange for treats, while couples enjoy sharing Valentine buns, rich with raisins and caraway seeds, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

5. Germany: Pigs for Passion

In Germany, pigs symbolize love and lust. Couples exchange pig-themed gifts, from figurines to sweets, alongside chocolates and flowers.

6. Philippines: Mass Weddings

The Philippines celebrates Valentine’s Day with government-sponsored mass weddings, where hundreds of couples tie the knot in grand ceremonies.

7. South Africa: Pin Your Heart

On February 15, women boldly pin the name of their crush on their sleeves in honour of the Roman festival Lupercalia, celebrating love openly.

8. Taiwan: The Language of Roses

In Taiwan, flowers take center stage. Men present elaborate bouquets, with 108 roses signifying a marriage proposal, on both February 14 and July 7.

9. South Korea: A Trilogy of Celebrations

Valentine’s Day starts with women gifting chocolates. Men return the gesture on White Day. Singles embrace Black Day (April 14), enjoying jjajangmyeon noodles while reflecting on singlehood.

10. Brazil: Lover’s Day

Celebrated on June 12, Dia dos Namorados coincides with St. Anthony’s Feast. Romantic dinners and gifts mark the day, offering a unique twist to Carnival celebrations.

Whether it’s singing for treats, celebrating friendship, or hosting mass weddings, these customs remind us that love comes in many forms.

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Valentine’s Day traditions, global love celebrations, cultural customs, friendship day Finland, mass weddings Philippines, White Day Japan, snowdrop letters Denmark