China 

In the 21st century, many Chinese now celebrate western Valentine’s Day complete with romantic gift exchanges and special dates.  

China has their own dates of love you can find out about them on our blog How Valentines Day (the day of love) is celebrated in China | Study Links

Japan 

In Japan the celebration of Saint Valentines is sweet! Quite literally the Girls give the traditional “Giri Choco”, (chocolates with no romantic association but obligatory to give on that day) they are only given to their male friends, colleagues or even bosses. 

 A month later on the 14th of March it is then the males turn to return the gifts known as ‘White day’ 

Argentina 

Argentinians take a week to celebrate the occasion.   

In addition to February 14th, they set aside seven days in July for “sweetness week.”  From the 13th to the 20th, lovers and friends will exchange candies and kisses.  

This week typically ends with “Friendship Day”. 

Germany 

Lovers on Valentines Day in Germany celebrate not only with gifts and chocolates but with a much different git – A PIG! The pig represents luck and lust and can be given in picture form, model, or any alternative way.  

Germans also prepare Ginger cookies which contain romantic phrases and messages like “Ich liebe dich” (I love you). 

Italy  

Italy celebrate Valentines Day by hosting a Spring Festival, one of the most common gifts is a small box of chocolates ‘kisses’ (baci means “kiss” in Italian) with a romantic quote printed on it.  

Valentine’s Day is thought to have originated from a Roman festival. 

The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February – officially the start of their springtime. 

France 

Paris is the ultimate ‘City of Love’ couples from all over the world travel to Paris for Valentines Day, with breath taking views. Here are some French Phrases: 

I love you (care for you)  Je t’apprécie vraiment. 

Hug me           Serres-moi. 

You are beautiful (female) Tu es élégante. 

You are handsome (male) Tu es élégant. 

Valentine’s Day fun facts: 

• Approximately one billion Valentine cards are sent each year around the world. 
• Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine’s Day each year. 
• The heart is associated with Valentine’s Day as it is considered the source of all human emotions. 
• 220,000 is the average number of wedding proposals on Valentine’s Day each year