Valentine’s Day: A Day of Love and Affection – February 2025

By Neha Bisht

Valentine’s Day – a day of love and romance is mainly celebrated on February 14 each year. On this day intimate partners, friends, and family show their love and affection to each other by exchanging gifts, going on outings, and having romantic dinners. But do you know why this day has become so popular worldwide? Here are some facts about its origin and significance, which include a mixture of history, legend, and tradition.

Historical and Religious Origins

The day is often associated with Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr. There are several stories of different Saint Valentines, but the most commonly told is that St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II (268–270 CE). The emperor had banned marriages for young men, believing single men made better soldiers. Valentine defied this edict and continued to perform marriages for couples in secret. Eventually, he was caught, imprisoned, and executed on February 14. Over time, his act of love and defiance was celebrated as a symbol of romantic love.

Pagan Influence

Some believe that Valentine’s Day was also influenced by the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which occurred in mid-February. This was a festival celebrating fertility, love, and the coming of spring. Some aspects of the festival, such as pairing couples through a drawing of lots, might have merged with the later Christianized celebration of St. Valentine.

Modern Celebrations

By the 14th and 15th centuries, the day began to be associated with courtly love, especially in Europe. It evolved into a day for expressing love through poetry, gifts, and flowers. In the 18th century, it became more commercialized, with the exchange of greeting cards (valentines) becoming a popular tradition. In the modern world, different ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day have developed in different countries.

The following is a sampling of how the day is observed in a variety of countries around the world.

South Korea: In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with its own unique customs and traditions that differ from those of many other countries. On February 14, women are the ones who traditionally give chocolates to men. This is a bit of a reversal from the Western custom, where men typically give the gifts. However, men return the gesture on what is called “White Day” (March 14), a month later, by giving gifts to the women who gave them chocolates. The gifts on White Day are often white-themed, such as white chocolate, candies, jewelry, or other thoughtful presents. White Day gifts tend to be more expensive and elaborate than those given on Valentine’s Day. It’s a day for men to demonstrate their affection and gratitude in return for the chocolates they received.

If someone did not receive anything on Valentine’s Day or White Day, they can celebrate “Black Day” on April 14. This is a fun tradition for single people to come together and celebrate their single status. Black Day typically involves eating jjajang-myeon (a noodle dish with a black bean-paste sauce) at restaurants with other single friends. This meal has become a symbol of “singleness” and is seen as a fun way to bond over being single, especially for those who may feel left out on the romantic days of Valentine’s Day and White Day.

India: Valentine’s Day in India has grown in popularity over the years, especially among the younger generation, thanks to increased exposure to global cultures, social media, and the influence of movies. In India, Valentine’s Day is often preceded by Valentine’s Week. Each day is dedicated to a particular activity where couples exchange gifts accordingly. The week starts with Rose Day, when especially red roses are gifted, a symbol of love. Valentine’s Week is also an opportunity for those friends and single persons who like each other and want to develop the relationship. Generally, the male partner gives gifts to their female partner, but nowadays, the female partner may also do the initiating. The younger generation has initiated another fun week that is the opposite of Valentine’s Week, where couples generally do mock breakups.

Among friends and family, Valentine’s Week is simply celebrated by giving flowers, chocolates,

greeting cards, jewelry, and personalized gifts, such as photo albums and handmade crafts.

Additionally, Valentine’s Day is not without its critics. Some conservative and religious groups in India oppose it, viewing it as a Western cultural invasion. Protests or campaigns promoting traditional Indian values sometimes occur, but these are becoming less common in urban areas.

Vietnam: In Vietnam, Valentine’s Day has gained popularity, particularly among the younger generation, as a day to express love and affection. While the celebration is influenced by Western traditions, it also incorporates unique Vietnamese cultural elements. Here people celebrate Valentine’s Day by exchanging gifts, posting love posts on social media, going on dinner dates, outings, and movies.

Some Vietnamese couples also observe White Day (March 14), a tradition borrowed from Korea and Japan. On this day, women reciprocate their expression of love by giving gifts to their partners. Single people often celebrate by exchanging gifts or spending time with friends. Valentine’s Day-style celebrations with close friends are also becoming more common. Iconic landmarks, such as Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi or Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City, are popular spots for couples to celebrate.

European Countries: Valentine’s Day in Europe is widely celebrated as a day of love and romance, but the traditions vary across countries, influenced by regional customs, history, and culture. People exchange gifts, such as red roses, chocolates, and cards. Couples often go out for dinners, plan romantic getaways, or exchange personalized gifts. In many countries, Valentine’s Day is also a time to appreciate family and friends, not just romantic partners.

In the United Kingdom, sending Valentine’s cards remains a strong tradition, with some people keeping them anonymous for mystery and fun. France, which is often considered one of the most romantic countries, celebrates Valentine’s Day by sending love letters and cards. Couples enjoy fine dining, wine, and intimate moments. Unique gifts like poetry, personalized jewelry, or symbolic trinkets are popular. In Germany, pigs, as symbols of love, are often featured in Valentine’s Day decorations and gifts. Heart-shaped cookies and exchanging flowers and gifts are common.

Italians celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving the classical treat Baci Perugina (famous chocolate kisses, with romantic messages inside). Couples sometimes attach padlocks to bridges or fences as a symbol of their everlasting love. Fine dining and wine are staples of the celebration. In Denmark, gaekkebrev, secret admirer letters with playful rhymes, are exchanged. White flowers known as “snowdrops,” are gifted instead of roses. Here, Valentine’s Day is less commercialized and more about thoughtful gestures. In Sweden, it is known as Alla Hjärtans Dag (All Hearts’ Day), which is a modern celebration. Flowers and chocolates are common, and stores often market the day with heart-themed products.

In Poland, people go on pilgrimages to Chełmno, known as the “City of Lovers,” where the relics of St. Valentine are kept. Romantic dinners and thoughtful gifts are common. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, couples prefer celebrating May 1 as the day of love, visiting landmarks like Prague’s Petřín Hill and kissing under cherry blossoms. In Greece, while Valentine’s Day is celebrated, ancient traditions honor Eros, the god of love. Romantic gestures include giving flowers and jewelry, and having romantic dinners.

Some European countries have their own unique Valentine’s Day traditions. Estonia and Finland celebrate Friendship Day instead of focusing solely on romantic love. Friends exchange gifts and cards. In Scotland, Valentine’s Day often includes festivals, dances, or events for singles to meet potential partners. In Norway, the day is quieter, with couples exchanging heartfelt messages and small gifts.

USA: Valentine’s Day in the United States is a widely celebrated holiday focused on expressing love and affection for romantic partners, family, friends, and even colleagues. Americans typically celebrate this special day by exchanging gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and cards. Couples show romantic gestures by going on dinner dates or giving special surprises and personalized handmade gifts. Here, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples; singles often celebrate with friends, hosting “Galentine’s Day” (for gals) or “Palentine’s Day” (for pals) events.

Schools often host Valentine’s Day parties, where children exchange cards and small treats with classmates. Valentine’s Day is a popular day for marriage proposals. Many couples also choose this day for weddings or vow renewals. Some people do charitable acts on Valentine’s Day to spread love to those in need by volunteering; donating to charities; or sending cards to nursing homes, hospitals, or military personnel. The U.S. also represents the cultural significance of Valentine’s Day. It is not just about romance but also a broader celebration of love and kindness, making it an inclusive holiday for people of all relationship statuses and ages.

African Countries: Valentine’s Day is celebrated across Africa with unique variations influenced by local cultures, traditions, and modern trends. While many African countries follow global Valentine’s Day customs, such as exchanging gifts and romantic gestures, there are distinctive regional practices and cultural influences that make the celebration special. Many people use Valentine’s Day to appreciate their loved ones, including family members and friends, not just romantic partners. Red and white outfits dominate Valentine’s Day celebrations, symbolizing love and purity. Couples often coordinate their clothing to reflect unity and affection. In some communities, Valentine’s Day is seen as an opportunity to spread love and kindness, with people organizing charity events or community gatherings. Many churches host Valentine’s Day programs, emphasizing love, marriage, and family values. In countries with strong religious influence, Valentine’s Day may include workshops or sermons on healthy relationships. Here is how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in several different countries of Africa:

— Nigeria: Valentine’s Day is celebrated with vibrant fashion, romantic outings, and elaborate surprises. Some people use the occasion to visit orphanages or give back to the community.

— South Africa: Couples write their lover’s names on their sleeves as part of the old Roman tradition, Lupercalia. Romantic dinners and outings are common.

— Kenya: Urban areas see a blend of global traditions like gift-giving and romantic dates, while rural areas often celebrate with community gatherings or church events.

— Ghana: Valentine’s Day coincides with National Chocolate Day, celebrating Ghana’s status as one of the world’s largest cocoa producers. People exchange chocolates and attend chocolate-themed events.

— Ethiopia: Many Ethiopians celebrate a local equivalent of Valentine’s Day called Amecha, which focuses on love and friendship.

Today, Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated across the world as a day to show affection to loved ones through gifts, cards, flowers, and romantic gestures. It is not just limited to romantic love, as many people also use the day to express appreciation and affection for friends and family.