Paris, Verona, Santorini, Bora Bora. What do these places have in common? They are undeniably some of the top romantic destinations worldwide, intimately linked to St. Valentine’s Day. However, it’s fascinating to explore the legends, traditions, and customs that revive and honor this “fiery” day of the year!
The legend of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery. One version tells of Valentine, a priest in Rome during the 3rd century. Emperor Claudius II believed that single men made better soldiers than those with families, and so he ordered that marriage be forbidden. However, Valentine continued to secretly marry couples, and for this, Claudius ordered his death.
Another version claims that Valentine was killed while trying to help Christians escape from Roman prisons. Another legend tells that Valentine fell in love, possibly with the daughter of a jailer, while imprisoned. During her visits, he is said to have written her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase still used today.
France
While in other countries, this day is also celebrated with friends, in France, St. Valentine’s Day is strictly a celebration for lovers! This means that if you have French friends, you should avoid sending them any cards to express your love on this day. As for couples, roses, sweets, and in some cases, jewelry, dominate the day, without neglecting a romantic meal or dinner. Paris, often referred to as “The City of Love,” sets the perfect stage for romance, with its romantic ambiance lasting throughout the year.
Additionally, one version of the history claims that the first Valentine’s Day card was created in France when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. The French village of “Valentine” becomes a center of romance between February 12 and 14, where one can see beautiful courtyards, trees, and houses decorated with love cards, roses, and marriage proposals. It’s a special tradition that’s worth experiencing firsthand.
Italy
“If you love someone, bring them to Verona,” is the motto for Valentine’s Day in the city of Romeo and Juliet, one of the most romantic cities in the world.
During the week leading up to February 14th, the streets in the center of Verona are decorated with red hearts that cover the lamps lighting the streets, creating a warm and captivating atmosphere. Heart-shaped red balloons are offered to people walking through the city. Streets, squares, and all places dedicated to Shakespeare host performances, concerts, and events. On February 14th, at Juliet’s House, a ceremony is held to award the best love letter chosen from the thousands sent to Juliet over the years.
South Korea
Valentine’s Day in South Korea is a little different compared to the rest of the world. In fact, Valentine’s Day is one of the 12 “Love Days” celebrated on the 14th of each month in the country. Among these are the popular “White Day,” the melancholic “Black Day,” and “Hug Day.” On Valentine’s Day and White Day, Koreans typically spend money on gifts, unlike the other love days, which don’t receive much attention for gift-giving.
On February 14th, it’s customary for women to give chocolates to men as a sign of love. Traditionally, men who receive chocolates on Valentine’s Day will return the favor the following month during White Day.
Denmark
For Danes, Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday. Young people started celebrating it in the early 1990s. Unlike most cultures, who mainly give red roses on this day, Danes give white flowers called “snowdrops,” offering them to both friends and loved ones.
One of Denmark’s biggest traditions for Valentine’s Day is the exchange of cards between lovers. Another custom involves men giving women a letter of a humorous nature, called a “gaekkebrev” in the local language. The letter contains a poem written on intricately cut paper. The writer doesn’t sign his name but uses dots as a code—one dot for each letter of his name. According to tradition, if the woman guesses correctly who sent the letter, she receives an Easter egg from the man later in the year.
Japan
In Japan, the custom calls for women to make the first move on Valentine’s Day. Instead of traditional gifts, women give men homemade chocolates known as “honmei-choco.” On March 14th, men return the gesture. This day is known as “White Day,” and the gift they give is white chocolate, possibly accompanied by other white-colored gifts as a symbol of their love.
Estonia
February 14th is a special day for Estonians, as they celebrate Friendship Day, known as “Sobrapaev” in the local language. This unique celebration includes everyone, both couples and single people. So, in addition to couples, family members and friends exchange gifts and celebrate love.
Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day is recognized around the world and is celebrated on February 14th. The way each culture expresses its emotions may differ, but the common thread remains unchanged: love.
