A long time ago Valentine's Day used to be a Christian celebration, that was started as early as 496 AD to commemorate a martyr, later declared a saint called, you guessed it, Valentinus. How exactly this love day came to be as we know it today is not exactly clear, but we don't really care about the hows and whys and are happy to munch on heart-shaped chocolates on February the 14th each year.

Since this is a reasonably old celebration that has spread all over the world, each of the countries celebrating it has adapted the concept according to their cultures and mentality. If most of us associate Valentine's Day traditions with roses, chocolates and love letters, then in Wales, it's all about intricately carved wooden spoons and pampering your husbands in Japan. Not only traditions vary though, but the dates also. If we are accustomed to February the 14th, then other countries have their own idea on when should the love day be celebrated.

Scroll down below to check more of the weird traditions and Valentine's day facts from all over the world. Illustrated by a talented artist Maria Muravski, the trivia is not only interesting but also beautiful.

More info: vashi.com

#1

Bulgaria

Bulgaria

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SvetlinKarachorov
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am from Bulgaria, the 14-th of February is basically the national drinking day.

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#3

South Korea

South Korea

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MichelleChung
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The reason singles eat black noodles is that the black color represents their wounded heart.

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#4

Argentina

Argentina

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#5

St Valentin, France

St Valentin, France

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oranours
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm French, living in France : never heard of this

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#6

South Africa

South Africa

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AndreaLatham
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm South African and I've never ever heard of or seen this.

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#7

China

China

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#8

Czech Republic

Czech Republic

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RichardPickman
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is us! And now about the Easter traditions. :-D

#9

Miao, China

Miao, China

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#10

Wales

Wales

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See Also on Bored Panda
#11

Brazil

Brazil

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#12

Philippines

Philippines

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#13

Ghana

Ghana

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#15

Estonia

Estonia

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#16

Japan

Japan

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FranczeskaSteff
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The stories are nice, too, but the illustrations are a real feast to the eye!

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