by Maureen Cutajar

Created on: February 03, 2010   Last Updated: February 18, 2010

Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world and the traditional Valentine’s Day customs of gift giving and the exchange of flowers and chocolate is truly one of the most widespread traditions across the world. Indeed, the only day that warrants more card exchanges worldwide than Valentine’s Day is only Christmas Day.

It is interesting however to note how cultural influences affect the Valentine’s Day tradition in different countries. For instance in America, Valentine’s Day is not a day dedicated solely to romantic love and the day is also celebrated in schools where children often exchange Valentine cards with their classmates. Valentine’s Day in America is celebrated with loved ones, be they family, lovers or friends.

♥ Valentine's Day in Great Britain

In the United Kingdom the exchange of Valentine’s cards and gift giving is a standard tradition across the nation. On this day children usually sing Valentine’s Day songs and they are rewarded with gifts of candy or money. The national sweets of Valentine’s Day are homemade baked buns with caraway seed and raisins.

♥ Valentine's Day in France

Historically in France the custom during Valentine’s Day was that unmarried individuals would attend parties where new couples were formed. If the couple hit it off they would start wooing each other, on the other if the single man were not taken by his valentine he would abandon her. This ceremony was eventually abandoned and today “cartes d’amities” are sent to lovers.

♥ Valentine's Day in Italy

Valentine’s Day in Italy was once celebrated during a festival where people danced to music and listened to oral poetry. This custom however is not celebrated in the present day and Italian couples simply exchange gifts and commemorate love in the traditional fashion on Valentine’s Day.

♥ Valentine's Day in Japan

In Japan Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 and again on March 14. In February it is customary for the Japanese female to give a Valentine’s gift to her lover while in March the Japanese male returns the gift he was given. In other words, only the female receives a gift which is of her own choosing.

♥ Valentine's Day in Taiwan

Taiwan also celebrates Valentine’s Day twice a year on February 14 and during the month of August when the Chinese Valentine’s Day is celebrated. The latter date is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese Lunar calendar in commemoration of an ancient Chinese folktale. Both days are celebrated with the exchange of gifts and flowers in particular roses. On the Chinese Valentine’s Day it is customary for young single girls to solemnly wish for a good and long lasting marriage.

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