Valentines Traditions

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South Korea

In South Korea, Valentine's Day is not only about romantic love but also about celebrating
friendship. On February 14th, women give chocolates to men they like, but it doesn't stop there. A
month later, on March 14th, known as "White Day," men reciprocate by giving candies or gifts to
women. Then, on April 14th, called "Black Day," those who didn't receive any gifts on the previous
two days gather to eat jajangmyeon, a dish of black bean noodles, symbolizing commiseration and
solidarity among singles.

Japan
Valentine's Day in Japan is a big deal, but with a twist. Women traditionally give chocolate gifts to
men, but there are different types of chocolates with different meanings. "Giri-choco" (obligation
chocolates) are given to colleagues, bosses, and male friends, while "Honmei-choco" (true feeling
chocolates) are reserved for romantic interests. However, Japanese men are expected to reciprocate
a month later on March 14th, known as "White Day," by giving gifts, typically sweets or jewelry, to
the women who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day.

Wales
In Wales, Valentine's Day is celebrated on January 25th and is known as Saint Dwynwen's Day,
named after the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Traditionally, Welsh couples exchange handcrafted
love spoons, intricately carved wooden spoons symbolizing their affection and commitment to each
other. This tradition dates back centuries and is still cherished by many Welsh people today.

Finland
Valentine's Day, known as "Ystävänpäivä" or "Friend's Day" in Finland, is not just about romantic
love but also about celebrating friendships. Instead of focusing solely on romantic partners, Finns
exchange cards and gifts with friends and family members to show appreciation and affection for
those closest to them. It's a day to strengthen bonds and express gratitude for the various meaningful
relationships in one's life.

Italy
While Valentine's Day is celebrated in Italy much like in other parts of the world, there's an
interesting tradition in the city of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Visitors
to Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta) can leave love letters addressed to Juliet. These letters often
contain heartfelt confessions, romantic wishes, or relationship advice. Volunteers known as "Juliet's
Secretaries" even reply to some of the letters, offering words of wisdom and support to the lovelorn.
Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is celebrated with a unique twist. Instead of roses and chocolates,
people exchange pressed white flowers called "snowdrops." Additionally, it's a common Danish
tradition for men to write anonymous love poems or rhyming love notes called "gaekkebrev" to
their sweethearts. These notes are signed only with dots representing the sender's initials, and if the
recipient guesses the sender's identity correctly, she receives an Easter egg later in the year.

France
In France, Valentine's Day is celebrated with a touch of literary flair. Couples exchange cards and
gifts, but one peculiar tradition is the "loterie d'amour" or "drawing for love." Unmarried
individuals would enter houses facing each other and take turns calling out to one another,
eventually forming pairs. If a man wasn't satisfied with his match, he could leave the woman for
another, and the rejected women would gather for a bonfire, burning images of the men who
spurned them while hurling insults, creating an early version of "anti-Valentine's Day."

Argentina
Valentine's Day, known as "Día de los Enamorados," is celebrated with a week-long extravaganza.
From February 7th to February 14th, couples exchange gifts and indulge in romantic dinners.
However, the 13th of February is also significant as "Dia del Amigo" (Friend's Day), where friends
exchange tokens of appreciation and celebrate their bond.

Ghana
In Ghana, Valentine's Day is celebrated with a unique twist on gift-giving. Rather than traditional
gifts, it's common for couples to exchange colorful Kente cloth, a traditional Ghanaian textile
known for its vibrant patterns and symbolic meanings. This exchange of Kente cloth symbolizes the
weaving together of their lives in love and unity.

Estonia
Valentine's Day is known as "Sõbrapäev" (Friend's Day) in Estonia, where the focus is on
celebrating all types of relationships, not just romantic ones. Friends and family exchange small
gifts and cards as tokens of appreciation and affection. It's a day to cherish the bonds of friendship
and express gratitude to loved ones.
Mexico
In Mexico, Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love; it's also a day to celebrate friendship.
Known as "El Día del Amor y la Amistad" (Day of Love and Friendship), people exchange gifts,
flowers, and cards with both romantic partners and friends. It's a time to show appreciation for all
meaningful relationships in one's life

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