Unique V-Day traditions from around the world

The second week of February has become synonymous with endearing cards, gigantic teddy bears, and heaps of chocolates and roses.

Although all these rituals are shared across the globe, some cultures have their unique ways to celebrate the day of love.

France

Single women would gather around a bonfire to burn everything that reminds them of their past love interests. The event became so uncontrollable that the government authorities had to eventually ban the tradition. Now, single women and men celebrate their freedom and singlehood with parties and dancing.

South Africa

In addition to celebrating the day with flowers, festivals, and foods, many women in the country wear the names of their sweethearts on their sleeves.

This tradition is borrowed from Rome and is known as ‘Lupercalia’. Often, men get to know their secret admirers by looking at the pinned hearts on women’s sleeves.

Germany

As strange it sounds, couples give each other pig figurines, pictures, and even chocolate pigs in Germany. The country is decorated with pig-shaped balloons and cards, and people eat pig-shaped ginger cookies. They are considered a symbol of luck, love and lust. Another interesting tradition followed is making huge ginger cookies. These are made in all shapes and decorated with frosting.

South Korea

The country does not just celebrate a day, but an entire month of love. February 14th is saved for women who shower their partners with creative gifts and delicious food. Exactly after a month, March 14th is reserved for men to return this love by wooing their partners. The country does not forget the single people, who have another holiday reserved solely for them. April 14th marks the third holiday, which is called the 'Black Day'. Singles lament their loneliness by cooking bowls of black bean-paste noodles called 'Jajangmyeon'.

Denmark

Instead of the emblematic red roses, the Danes choose snowdrops to express their eternal love for one another. Snowdrops are white flowers that friends and sweethearts exchange on the day. Another popular tradition is for Danish men, who write funny poems and rhymes called 'Gaekkebrev' and send them anonymously with a series of dots to women. If the women can guess the sender, she earns herself an Easter egg later in the year.

Wales

Admirers gift their loved ones a rather strange object – spoons. The Welsh also celebrates the Valentine’s Day on January 25 instead of February 14 to honour the spirit of Saint Dwynwen.

Welsh men carefully carve spoons in innovative designs and gift them to the women they admire. This age-old tradition can be dated back to the 17th century.