Here in the United States, we celebrate Valentine's Day every year on February 14. Today, Valentine's Day has become a holiday centered around romantic love, gift-giving, and grand proposals, but there is some uncertainty about the exact origins of the holiday.

Lupercalia, an ancient pagan holiday celebrated in Rome during mid-February, could be the earliest form of Valentine's Day. This was an occasion dedicated to fertility. It was a more intense event than what you may expect, with rituals involving elements such as animal sacrifices and nudity. Saint Valentine is widely recognized as the emblematic figure of Valentine's Day, yet the details of his identity and story remain shrouded in uncertainty. There are multiple legends surrounding St. Valentine, making it difficult to determine the true history of Valentine's Day.

Regardless of its complicated origins, Valentine's Day has become a popular holiday for expressing love and affection towards romantic partners through gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and cards. As the world is a huge and diverse place, there are many different traditions and celebrations for Valentine's Day.

Let's take a look at some of the unique ways that people celebrate this special day.

Unique Valentine's Day Traditions Around the World:

Philippines

Celebrate your love by getting married, alongside a bunch of other couples. In the Philippines, there are mass wedding ceremonies held every year on February 14. Hundreds of couples gather in public places to say "I do" and start their new lives together. These mass weddings are sponsored by the government and are free for all participants.

Germany

Hearts are out and pigs are in. In Germany, pigs are considered a symbol of luck, love, and lust. On Valentine's Day, couples exchange flowers, chocolates, and pigs. Now, these are not real pigs, but rather gifts in the shape of pigs such as stuffed animals. Some chocolates even come in the shape of pigs!

South Korea

In South Korea, love is celebrated uniquely all year round, with a special day occurring every 14th of the month. On February 14, women present their men with chocolates and flowers. Then comes March 14, known as White Day, when the gentlemen return the favor, showering the ladies with gifts. If you're celebrating singlehood, April 14 is your day! Dubbed "Black Day," those not in a relationship wear all-black attire and indulge in a bowl of jajangmyeon, a delicious dish of noodles in a black bean sauce.

United States

Valentine's Day in the United States is often marked with romantic dinners, flowers, and chocolates. In recent years, "Galentine's Day" has also gained popularity as a day to celebrate friendship and sisterhood. On February 13, ladies gather together for brunch or dinner to show appreciation for their female friendships. Amy Poehler is credited with the creation of this celebration, which was first popularized on her TV show Parks and Recreation.

South Africa

South Africa's Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 15, is said to take inspiration from Lupecalia. Women will wear heart pins on their sleeves with the name of their crush or lover. This tradition allows men to know they have an admirer and opens up the possibility for them to pursue a relationship.

Denmark

The Danes bring a fun guessing game into their Valentine's Day traditions, which didn't begin until the 1990s. Men send secret admirer notes to women, who are left to discover who the sender is. If a woman guesses correctly, she will receive an Easter egg that Easter. If incorrect, she owes an egg to the sender. The country also has its own take on flowers. While roses are traditional in America, "snowdrops" are the flower of choice in Denmark. How cute is that name?

Whether it's a mass wedding in the Philippines, pig-shaped presents in Germany, or a guessing game in Denmark, each country has its unique version of Valentine’s Day. It’s not just about romantic love either, with friendships and singlehood celebrated on days like Galentine's Day and Black Day. So, no matter where you are in the world, take time to appreciate and celebrate love in all its forms!

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