Happy Ystävänpäivä!: 6 Unique Valentine's Day Traditions From Around The World

PHOTO courtesy www.thinkstock.com

Whether you are single or in a committed relationship, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. For those of us in that second group in the U.S., this means flowers and chocolates.

However, there are some countries that celebrate this holiday for lovebirds quite differently.

From folktale mysteries to tragic love stories, Valentine’s Day remains one of the most intriguing celebrations that evoke love through interesting yet peculiar traditions around the world.

Here are six destinations that spread the love a little differently than we are accustomed to in the U.S.

Japan

American tradition obliges the man to be the main gift-giver on Valentine’s Day. Not so in Japan.

In the Land of the Rising Sun, women are the initiators when it comes to bearing gifts.  Men receive a traditional chocolate called “Giri Choco” (literally, "obligation chocolate") from their female friends on February 14^th.  If a woman’s feelings are a bit stronger, she may give him a handmade present as well.

However, men are not relieved of their gift-giving duties.

 Those who receive the delicious chocolate are required to reciprocate the feeling on March 14^th, also known as White Day.  On this day, women are then showered with gifts including chocolate, white lingerie, jewelry and other gifts.

Norfolk, Britain

In Norfolk, a fictional character called Jack Valentine resurfaces every year to pay children a special visit. 

He announces his presence on Valentine's Day through a special knock at the door.  The elusive Jack then vanishes, leaving children with a generous bounty of candies and gifts.

Finland

If you are in Finland during Valentine’s Day, you definitely won’t hear the words “Valentine’s Day.”

Instead, you may hear "Ystävänpäivä", which encourages the celebration of friendships.

So if you happen to be in Finland with a friend, solidify your girlfriendship (or bromance) through a heartfelt card or gift.

Brazil

Did you forget Valentine's Day? Head to Brazil, where you get a few more months to plan your celebration.

Known as Dia dos Namorados, Brazilian Valentine's Day is celebrated on June 12^th (althought gifts are still exchanged as they are on February 14^th). 

One tradition that does stand out is on the eve of the holiday, women decide who they will marry by writing the names of their crushes on paper. Whoever they choose on the next day from the folded pieces will be their lucky suitor.

Taiwan

They love Valentine’s Day so much in Taiwan they celebrate it twice — on both February 14^th and July 7^th on the lunar calendar.

Based on ancient Chinese tradition, each day is just as important as the other and measured based on the number and color of the roses received. 

11 is equivalent to favorite; 99 equals forever; and 100 flowers means a marriage proposal is coming your way.

Wales

Specifically among the Welsh, Valentine’s Day comes a little bit early. 

Celebrated on January 25^th, Dwynwen’s Day requires men to present their love interests with an intricately decorated wooden spoon, a token of affection dating back to Saint Dwynwen. 

The tragic story of Saint Dwynwen holds that she fell in love with the prince Maeron, but their tale ended in tragedy. This ancient tradition is said to bring relationships together.