Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of us are busy attempting to find the perfect gift or creating that memorable day for our special someone. February 14th has become more than just another holiday, it is now commemorated, in the US as the most romantic day of the year. This day is filled with promises of love, gifts, chocolates, and roses in efforts to demonstrate our affection to those that we love. This holiday has become such a sensation in the US that according to CNN.com, nearly 150 million cards are exchanged, over 224 million roses are sold, and about 6 million people are expecting to or are planning a marriage proposal. Although, the US is not the only nation who knows how to speak the language of love, here at HOL we have been looking at how different countries around the world celebrate their significant other. Here are 7 different countries that say “I love you” in a different way.

  1. Philippines: Although Valentine’s Day in the Philippines is celebrated similarly to the US, mass weddings are now a tradition that has taken over and thousands of couples are sharing the same wedding day. On February 14th hundreds of people in the Philippines will be taking a vow to be with each other. Mass weddings have completely swept the nation and usually occur in a public place. There have been records of 700 couples sharing the same ceremony on Valentine’s Day!
  2. South Korea: In this country, Valentine’s Day is actually celebrated in different variations throughout the months of February to April. On February 14th, women give men chocolates, candies, and flowers. The table then turn on March 14th, on a holiday known as White Day where men present gifts, chocolates, candies, and flowers to their significant other. Yet it doesn’t stop there! On April 14th, Black Day is celebrated for all those who are single. It was once a holiday meant for singles to mourn their solitary status, but has now become a day to celebrate me, myself, and I!
  3. Wales: Unfortunately the Welsh have decided to have their special holiday of love on January 25th. On this day the people celebrate Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. And instead of flowers and chocolates, it is a romantic to give love spoons. As early as the 17th Century, Welsh men carved intricate designs on wooden spoons and gave them to their significant other as a token of their love.  
  4. South Africa: In South Africa, women actually “wear their heart on their sleeve”. In addition to gifts and celebrations, it is customary for women in South Africa to pin the names of their love interest on their sleeves. You no longer have to wonder if she likes you or not, just look at her arm!
  5. Brazil: Despite Valentine’s Day being widely celebrated on February 14th, the Brazilian culture has created their own day of love on June 12th. This holiday is known as el Dia dos Namorados, or “Lovers Day”. In addition to the exchange of flowers, chocolate, and gifts, the streets are filled with music and festivities.

No matter how you commemorate Valentine’s Day, HOL would like to wish you a day filled with joy and love. Might it be with your significant other or your friends and family. HOL is here to help share the love!