While we might take Valentine’s Day for granted in The United States, a day for flowers, cards, and chocolates, that is not the case everywhere else in the world. Each culture has a unique way of celebrating Valentine’s Day, such as the Japanese tradition in which only women gift chocolate to others, and in Ireland where many love-seekers travel to Dublin to pray at the shrine of St. Valentine. Not every country celebrates Valentine’s Day, but most cultures have a day to celebrate love and friendship. While we chow down on the last of our chocolates from Valentine’s Day in the United States, here is a list of 5 other countries around the world that celebrate love with a special holiday.
Dominican Republic: Amigo Secreto
Many Latin American countries celebrate Día del Amor y la Amistad to appreciate both romantic love and friendship. On this day, it is common to do generous things for loved ones as acts of appreciation. In the Dominican Republic, as well as other Latin American countries, this day is celebrated with the tradition of “Amigo Secreto”, which is similar to the United States’ “Secret Santa,” in that each participant in the game is randomly assigned another participant to anonymously give gifts to.
China: Qixi Festival
This celebration falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. According to mythology, two lovers, the cowherd and the weaver girl, met on this day. There are many traditions that are carried out during the Qixi, such as young women going to the local temple to pray to Zhinü. Objects made of paper are usually taken and burned as offerings there. This day is associated with domestic skills as well. For example, traditionally, competitions in which young women attempt to thread needles in low light conditions are held. This festival is also important for newlywed couples, who bid farewell to the celestial couple after one last worship. This represents the beginning of a happy marriage.
Israel: Tu B'Av
The 15th day of Av is celebrated modernly, but it is also an ancient day. Originally, this day was dedicated to matchmaking. However, in recent decades, this festival has become a night of singing and dancing. On this day, cards and flowers are given to loved ones, and weddings are often held. However, the Israeli rabbinate has not called for the introduction of traditional practices in this celebration, and it has not been recognized as a formal holiday.
South Korea: Valentines Day and White Day
On February 14th, women often give chocolate to men to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It has been the case traditionally for men to gift women in return one month later on White Day. However, during Valentine’s Day and White Day in recent years, retailers have directed their sales at both men and women, so this tradition is gradually fading. More often, this holiday is celebrated as a couples day.
Ireland: Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Valentine
In the 1950s, a shrine of St. Valentine was built at the Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin to honor the late saint who is now buried there. When the people of Ireland discovered that the shrine of the patron saint of love was in Dublin, many flocked there to pray. Now it is a tradition for love-seeking people to travel to the Whitefriar Street Church to ask the saint for help in finding love every Valentine’s Day.
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