Valentine's Days From Around The World Told

In Great Britain the holiday gained popularity in the 17th century and by the 18th century people of all classes and relationships commonly exchanged small tokens and cards.

Ukraine: Yegor Gordenko

• Yegor remembered celebrating Valentine’s Day in school since the first grade.
• They would make baskets or boxes, "and the girls put something in for the boys, and vice versa." Sometimes there would be an anonymous note.
• Instead of being compulsory school activity, "You did it just for the people you wanted. It was always very fun."

• In Macarena's experience, "El Día de San Valentín" was "not a big deal because it’s not our holiday. It’s like Halloween. Some people think it’s stupid because it’s not our holiday. It’s just for fun. We do it for fun."
• Similar to the United States, a boyfriend would commonly have to give his girlfriend a rose or chocolates.
• In school, a secret admirer could send a candy heart.
• The delivery system would take place all day long and it was very exciting. Macarena; however, said that she never got one.

Japan: Ryo Onoda, Sanae Ishikawa, Mike Boettger

• In Japan, Feb. 14 is the day when girls give chocolate to men.
• Sanae explained that there is obligatory and affectionate giving, and the quality of chocolate correlates with the level of intimacy. Obligatory chocolate goes to the male employers, and usually "Expensive chocolate goes to boyfriend. Cheap to friends."
• In case this was sounding a little backward, Ryo and Mike assured me that the men do their part on March 14, referred to as "white day."
• On white day, the boys who received chocolate have to give white candy to the girls.
• Guys usually give girls more expensive gifts, and cards are also popular.

South Korea: Min Kim, Ayeon Yoo, Inchun Lim

• Min and Ayeon explained that the Valentine’s Day tradition in South Korea was very similar to Japan, in that a girl gives a gift to a boy and whether it is expensive or cheap depends on the person.
• March 14 is the day for the boy to give something to the girl.
• Many people do buy cards to give to special people, and there are some who do propose on Valentine’s Day just like in the movies.
• Lim offered a male perspective and introduced "Black Day," celebrated on April 14. On this day, people not given gifts on Valentine’s Day or White Day come together to each Chinese black noodles.
• The 14th day of each month signifies something special. For example, May 14 is Rose Day, where roses are exchanged and each color represents something significant. "In your routine life, it is an occasion to feel happy," Lim said.

Kenya: Cellestine Kamau-Cheggeh

• In Kenya, Valentine’s Day is recognized as a day for the youth, though everyone gets excited. Cellestine explained "It is a day for lovey-lovey, for notes with yes-no-maybes to be passed."
• As Kenya is not a wealthy country, the day is more about showing affection, even though it is not as emphasized for older people. "It’s a day to show love to everyone, not just your significant other."
• Some couples do give gifts or go on a date, and for many it is a special opportunity to get pretty.

Jordan: Saliman Smadi

• Saliman offered a different perspective because Valentine’s Day is not celebrated in Jordan, except unofficially by very few people.
• "It is cultural," he explained. "We approach love very differently. Anything outside of marriage is forbidden."
• He described dating as a much more conservative practice, shaped by religious and cultural values.