How do other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Through the exchange of gifts, romantic dinners and programs for two, this Tuesday, the 14th, Europe and some American countries celebrate Valentine’s Day, a date created to celebrate the love between two people, which according to popular history, emerged after the death of Valentine, a bishop who was married in hiding in the Middle Ages.

The relevance of Valentim is given, because, in this period, the emperor Claudius II forbade marriage as he believed that men were better fighters in war when single. Thus, after his passionate act, the bishop ended up being arrested and sentenced to death, becoming a symbol of resistance to romantic love.

The same form of celebration is held here in Brazil, however, the date is called Valentine’s Day and is celebrated on June 12th every year, as the day corresponds to the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, known as the ” holy matchmaker”.

But in addition to the Tupiniquin lands, other countries celebrate the most romantic date on the calendar on different days or months, or even with different traditions that go beyond the classic treats and souvenirs. With that in mind, we will explain below how 5 other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day.

1. France

The story is popularly known that the first Valentine’s Day letter was written in France by Duke of Orléanswho despite being imprisoned in 1415, always sent love letters to his wife.

In addition to the report, what really is a fact is that the French village called Valentine has its houses and public spaces decorated between the 12th and 14th of February, just as it is common for couples to plant a tree seedling on the date, as a way to sow the love shared by them.

2. Japan

Also celebrated on February 14, Valentine’s Day in Japan has a different tradition. That’s because, on the date, only men receive gifts from their loved ones. Women only receive a treat in March in celebration of the “White Day”.

3. South Korea

The celebration in South Korea takes place in the same way as in Japan: first men receive gifts on February 14, and finally women on the “White Day”. Also, on the same day in April, singles celebrate “Black Day,” where singles gather to dine on jjajang myeon, a noodle dyed with black beans.

4. Spain

In Spain, the date that celebrates love between couples corresponds to October 9, a period that is also celebrated on the day of Saint Dionysus, the patron saint of love. The day is marked by festivals and parades, in addition to which, it is common for men to present their girlfriends with a Mocadora, a figure that symbolizes love.

5. China

The celebration of romance is held by the Chinese, based on the legend of two lovers who were separated by the stars, as they belonged to different social classes and could only meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar.

When the date finally arrives, China celebrates the famous Qixi festival, a celebration that was added to China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006.