Opinions differ on the question of where Valentine's Day comes from. Saint Valentine is often named as the person who married couples according to Christian rites in the 3rd century, despite the opposition of Roman law. The custom of giving flowers to women on February 14th probably already existed in ancient Rome, as the day was commemorated as Juno, the goddess of birth and marriage.
No matter where Valentine's Day comes from, every country celebrates love and friendship in its own way. We have summarized our favorite ideas and customs from different countries here:
Finland
In Finland, Valentine's Day - also known as Ystävänpäivä - is defined a little more broadly than we might be used to, because Valentine's Day is all about friendship! This includes all the people who bring you joy: good school friends, colleagues, parents, siblings, friendly neighbors, and of course your life partner. On this day, postcards (both purchased and homemade) are particularly popular, and they often remain anonymous, leaving the recipients guessing who is behind the nice surprise. And there are also special events or special offers in the city or in shops for Valentine's Day, so that you can really enjoy the day with your good friends.
Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is all about love, just like it is here. The traditional Valentine's Day flower to give as a gift is the snowdrop, which is often given with chocolate, poems and even riddles. Here, too, people like to give their surprises anonymously and can look forward to a reward if they guess the sender correctly.
France
In France, people especially like to send cards with personal words on Valentine's Day. Apparently, the Valentine's card even originated in France, as it is said that hundreds of years ago the Duke of Orleans wrote a poem on a card and signed it with "Your Valentine".
A small selection of Pickmotion products suitable for Valentine's Day!
Japan
In Japan, affection is expressed twice a year on a specific day with small gifts. On February 14th, women give chocolate to their partners, but also to male friends or colleagues. Depending on the relationship, there is a different selection of chocolates, because everyone really gets a present. A month later is "White Day", when men, in contrast, give white chocolate to the women in their lives.
Wales
In Wales, the day of love is not celebrated until January 25th, because that is when the patron saint of lovers, St. Dwynwen, is honored - that is why the day is not called Valentine's Day, but St. Dwynwen's Day. Here, however, no flowers are given as gifts, but rather artistically carved wooden spoons or "lovespoons"! The tradition goes back to the 15th century, when young men made wooden spoons to impress their future father-in-law with their craftsmanship skills.
Brazil
In Brazil, Valentine's Day is also celebrated later, on June 12th - the "Dia dos Namorados" (Day of Lovers). Here, people celebrate together with their loved ones, give each other small gifts and spend the whole day together with good music and delicious food. The day is also a popular date for weddings or engagements, because legend has it that the relationship is under a lucky star.
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Which custom do you like best and do you know of any other customs from other countries? Feel free to share them with us! If you also like giving cards as a gift for Valentine's Day, then browse through our shop or a shop near you for beautiful PICKMOTION cards. Enjoy the day and remember to do something good for yourself too!
