Just in case you were wondering

by Michelle

I know many people say Valentine’s Day is a holiday the Hallmarks and the Godivas of the world made up to get Americans to spend more money. I was sitting here wondering if other countries celebrate their own form of a Valentine’s Day so I decided to find out…this is what I found –

Since France is traditionally a Catholic country, they celebrate Valentine’s day like we do in the US but it is known as Saint Valentin.

Valentine’s Day has emerged in Japan and in Korea. It is a day on which women, and less commonly men, give candy, chocolate or flowers to people they like. And by a further marketing effort, White Day has emerged. On March 14, men are expected to return the favor to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Many men, however, give only to their girlfriends. Originally, the return gift was supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence “White Day”. In South Korea, there is also Pepero Day, celebrated on November 11, during which young couples give each other romantic gifts.

In China, they do not celebrate Valentine’s Day but they have The Night of Sevens, on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar young girls make wishes for a good husband.

Egypt has The Egyptian Love Day which is celebrated on November 4th.

In the Persian culture they celebrate a day for love known as, Sepandarmazgan

According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av is the festival of love . In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them. In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.

Brazil has Dia dos Namorados which means
“Boyfriend’s/Girlfriend’s Day” and it is celebrated on June 12.

Coloumbia has Día del amor y la amistad which means “Love and Friendship Day” and it is celebrated on the third Friday and Saturday in September.

In Finland, they celebrateYstävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s day”. This day is more about remembering your friends than your loved ones.

In Denmark & Norway Valentines Day is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but some people take time to be romantic with their partner, or send a card to a secret love

Wales celebrates Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen’s Day) on January 25 instead of St Valentine’s Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.

Iran has a holiday like Valentine’s Day called espandarmazegan and is celebrated on February 18th.

Just in case you were wondering!

Permalink |  Save on del.ico.us



  1. You are so cultured!


    — kate    Feb 16, 09:04 AM    #

Commenting is closed for this article.

Public Relations for the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) U.S. 1/64

MMI Associates was contracted to handle media relations and to organize various efforts to open the communication lines between the construction entities on the project and motorists. The firm developed a strategic public relations campaign to ensure that local motorists and those passing through would be aware of the most up-to-date traffic patterns.