The holiday originated from a Roman festival in mid-February, which was later replaced with Saint Valentine’s Day. The day honors Saint Valentine, a martyr who, according to legend, wrote a letter to his jailer’s daughter signed “From your Valentine”. 

It is a major day for dates, and exchanging classroom valentines. It is a day to honor romantic love, and to celebrate friendship and family affection.  Popular customs include giving cards, or “valentines”, flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. But that is for America. This article is for celebrations around the world. Buckle your seat belts and put up your tray tables. Let’s go!

We begin in Asia, where women in Japan and South Korea give chocolate and gifts to the men.

Next, we migrate south to the tropical Philippines, where it is common for public mass weddings to celebrate the holiday of love.

Then we go way west to find cold but manageable Finland & Estonia, where February 14 is “Friend’s Day” focusing on platonic friendship, cards, and gifts.

A little further west and south is Denmark, where instead of roses, people send white flowers called snowdrops and exchange anonymous, humorous poems.

Our final stop together on this whirlwind tour of a Valentine’s world is South America, where women often pin the name of their love interest on their sleeves.

I hope you’ve had fun on our trip and I hope you come back soon!