Whether you love it or hate it, the season of love is here, so grab your flowers and chocolates while we explore the meaning of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the globe. With this being said, there are many traditions and tales, so why not explore down the rabbit hole? Some countries that will be mentioned in this article are Italy, Spain, France, Ukraine, and South Korea.
The History of Valentine’s Day and It’s Origin:
Valentine’s Day was commonly celebrated in Christian and ancient Roman traditions. This holiday was inspired by the legend of Saint Valentine. Valentine was a priest who would perform secret marriages for young lovers. Later, after being caught for his actions, Valentine was executed. Before his execution he wrote a letter stating “From Your Valentine”, which led to the tradition of having a secret admirer/a valentine. The legend of Valentine spread across the globe promoting a holiday to be officially celebrated on February 14th, around 498 A.D., and gaining Cupid as a mascot during the 19th century.
Though the legend of Valentine has 3 different stories, the celebration wasn’t always so loving as the upbringing of Lupercalia approached. Lupercalia was a festival celebrated on February 15th. This festival started with the sacrifice of goats and dogs. The Luperci (Roman priests) would then skin the animals into pieces of attire and throw the special gourmet at women to “gain” fertility. This festival ended between the years 492 BC and 496 BC.
Global Valentine’s Day Traditions
Despite the gruesome lore of Valentine’s Day, let’s give the holiday the recognition of love it deserves by sharing some cultural traditions. What better way to start off than to explore the traditions of Italy?
Valentine’s Day in Italy
In Rome, a symbol of love and good luck is presented by throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. It is said that by throwing a coin in the fountain you’ll also be guaranteed a trip back to Rome. Valentine cards you received in elementary school simply do not exist as it is seen as a more mature holiday. Popular gifts to give your significant other are red roses, love letters, carved locks of love, heart shaped box chocolates, and a romantic dinner. Throughout the country, Valentine’s discounts are given at restaurants. A popular festival in Verona is “Verona in Love” while in Terni there are religious festivals revolving around Saint Valentine.
For our next stop of traditions we have Spain, another country of romance perfect for the season of love.
Traditions in Spain
While celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spain, you may want to stop by the Valentine’s Day Festival with your loved one. Gift shops and apparel stores get crowded during this time. Handmade goods in shops along with other gifts are “tokens of love”, such as bright flowers, heart shaped chocolates, and candlelight dinners.
Next up we have France, one of the most romanticized countries. France is very fitting for Valentine’s Day as Paris is notably called the City of Love.
Traditions of France
Before the ban of this custom, Valentine’s Day was celebrated for unmarried men. The men would call out the window to pair off with their valentine. If the connection wasn’t strong, the man would desert the woman with no further explanation. For the tainted love, rituals were set of bonfires where women would burn photos of their ungrateful lovers. In modern day times, the French stick to chocolate truffles, cards of affection, lovely dinners, and jewelry for their significant other.
On the next route to traditions we have Ukraine. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a sentimental reunion, you are sure to love it. Valentine’s Day gifts are exchanged between partners and special moments are shared with those serving in combat.
Valentine’s Day in Ukraine
For beloved soldiers, the train route “Train of Love” starts in the capital, Kyiv, and ends in the city of Kramatorsk. This train route helps reunite soldiers and their loved ones in a bitter sweet time of love. Traditionally, presents such as flowers, cards, and hearts are given to your lover. Kyiv is said to be the most romantic city in Ukraine, perfect for a Valentine’s Day getaway. In Kyiv, a romantic nature spot is Mariinsky Park and the Bridge, where couples place locks of commitment on the railings. The bridge is also a great place to take pictures.
Last but not least, let’s explore the traditions of South Korea. South Korea not only celebrates Valentine’s Day but they also celebrate White Day a month later to reciprocate the tradition of gift giving in return to the women that gifted them presents on Valentine’s Day.
(Google)
Traditions of South Korea
South Korea’s tradition revolves around women gifting the men. A typical gift a man will receive in South Korea is chocolate. Along with popular chocolates like Ferrero Rocher and Jubilee Chocolater, goodie baskets are also a very popular gift for the man in your life. Valentine’s Day is seen as important to social status as it is a time for women to confess their love, so if you don’t celebrate your significant other, you will be frowned upon.
Although the season of love wasn’t always so lovely, it is important to note the dark side of history surrounding it. Though each country is different, similar gift traditions are spread across the globe. On a deeper level, I found it sweet that men are celebrated in South Korea and soldiers are celebrated in Ukraine. The diverseness stood out to me most because everyone deserves to be appreciated. I hope you enjoyed learning about the deep part of history and some Valentine’s Day traditions!
References
- Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiques. (n.d.). Luperci. https://www.history.com/news/who-is-cupid
- Guide, S. (n.d.). Valentine’s Day in Korea – A love-filled celebration. 90 Day Korean. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.90daykorean.com/valentines-day-in-korea/
- Kakissis, J., & Harbage, C. (2024, February 14). Ukrainian couples separated by war reunite for Valentine’s Day : The Picture Show. NPR. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2024/02/14/1230982703/ukraine-love-train
- Saint Valentine’s Day. (n.d.). About Valentine’s Day. Stvalentinesday.org. https://www.stvalentinesday.org/
- VALENTINE’S DAY in Italy – History, Traditions, & How to Say ‘I Love You’. (2023, July 14). Getting To Know Italy. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://gettingtoknowitaly.com/valentines-day-in-italy/
- Accessed 29 January 2025.
