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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
9 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.

PolinaStoikova
Community Member
9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course it is like that! Very nice article.. .

IliyaHristov
Community Member
9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally wrong! 14th february is not celebrated as a couple day here in Bulgaria! It's just a Winemakers day and has a other traditions!

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    #3

    South Korea

    South Korea

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    MichelleChung
    Community Member
    9 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.

    KuishinLePieu
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're off! February 14, girls gift guys chocolate/sweets, March 14, guys to girls. No sweets either way? April 14=Jajangmyon with friends.

    #4

    Argentina

    Argentina

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    Ella Greenman
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me, who wants sugar but is aroase ;-;

    CarinaStoessel
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    La semana de la dulzura ;) (es puramente comercial, pero se suele regalar chocolates).

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    #5

    St Valentin, France

    St Valentin, France

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    NikoMersie
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have family in France, also never heard of this

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    #6

    South Africa

    South Africa

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    AndreaLatham
    Community Member
    9 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.

    Jenny-RaySutherland
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    would be good to see sources ey? Maybe it's done in a particular place in SA, it's pretty big place

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    KlariseMeiring
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    South African too. Never heard of this, but it sounds beautiful! :)

    MiaSmit
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am also South African and I have never heard of or seen this either.

    #7

    China

    China

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    #8

    Czech Republic

    Czech Republic

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

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

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    #9

    Miao, China

    Miao, China

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    #10

    Wales

    Wales

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    #11

    Brazil

    Brazil

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    #12

    Philippines

    Philippines

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    #13

    Ghana

    Ghana

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    #14

    Valencia, Spain

    Valencia, Spain

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    KathyLaPan
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dionysus was the Roman god of alcoholism. His celebrations were usually sexual orgies.

    gaz
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saying she's a sweet nut?

    #15

    Estonia

    Estonia

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    #16

    Japan

    Japan

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    FranczeskaSteff
    Community Member
    9 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!

    Mimi the cat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hey! tysm for the site, helped me a lot with my Valentine project :3

    MarinaGuedes
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Brazil is totally wrong. Valentines day is different of Santo Antonios day. On Valentines couples just given thenselves gifts and go out for dinner or motel.

    BrandiMcClure
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You could also add that December 25th is a day that most couples celebrate dating. They go out for that romantic fancy dinner., buy chocolate cakes, and spend time with each other.