Valentine's Day celebrated around the world by different names (2024)

FAQs

How is Valentine's day celebrated differently around the world? ›

Known as White Day, men give women white chocolate and other white gifts as a sign of their affection. As in Japan, women in South Korea give gifts to men on Valentine's Day while men celebrate White Day. South Korea has a third holiday, however, known as Black Day.

In Spain Valentine's Day is known as "San Valentin" and in France it is known as "Saint Valentin". In Portugal it is referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" or Lovers Day.

Here are the days of build-up to Valentine's Day - Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Kiss Day, and Hug Day— and then finally – Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day in Japan is very much centred on confectionery. The day was originally brought to Japan by Kobe confectioners Morozoff, and marketed to overseas residents. In the Japanese version of the day, the general rule is that men receive gifts of chocolate from the women in their lives.

Valentine's Day (February 14th): Rather than the catch-all holiday it is in the rest of the world, on Valentine's Day in Korea women give chocolate to men as a sign of affection. Traditionally, men that receive these gifts will give a gift in return the following month on White Day.

There are seven days dedicated to celebration of love before Valentine's Day. It starts from February 7. These seven days of love are Rose Day (February 7), Propose Day (February 8), Chocolate Day (February 9), Teddy Day (February 10), Promise Day (February 11), Hug Day (February 12), and Kiss Day (February 13).

In Brazil, Valentine's Day is known as “Dia dos Namorados,” which translates to “Lovers' Day” — but don't expect to celebrate it on February 14th, as it is actually held on June 12th!

At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day, and since then, February 14th has been a day of celebration—though it was generally more religious than romantic.

One Valentine was a priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II after the ruler outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine would perform marriages in secret for young lovers, ultimately leading to his death.

What is Valentine's Day called for girlfriend? ›

One without a dedicated aisle in the card store. A Valentine's Day to celebrate female friendship—a Galentine's Day, if you will. Celebrated the day before Valentine's Day, Galentine's is THE unofficial holiday dedicated to ladies who love their besties.

Esther Howland, Mount Holyoke class of 1847, is known as the “mother of the American valentine.” At a time when most women didn't have the opportunity to be employed, let alone lead, Howland founded her card-making business and pioneered an entire industry.

While similar to American Valentine's Day, Mexico's Día de San Valentín can be celebrated by all the people of Mexico, not just happy couples. That's because it's known as the day of love and friendship.

How do they celebrate Valentine's day in Italy? Italian Valentine's Day now diverges significantly from its traditional roots, adopting a more contemporary approach to celebrating love. While candlelit dinners and small tokens of affection remain popular, the quintessential gift in Italy continues to be flowers.

Valentine's Day traditions have evolved a lot over the years. For example, in the Middle Ages—which lasted from the 5th to 15th centuries in Europe—people started exchanging handmade cards with love notes inside. Today billions of dollars are spent on Valentine's Day cards and gifts each year around the world.