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Denmark -

A popular Danish Valentine's Day tradition is the exchange of "lover's cards." While these were originally transparent cards that showed a picture of the card giver presenting a gift to their sweetheart, the term is now synonymous with any card exchanged on Valentine's Day.

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France -

France, especially Paris, has long been considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, regardless of what day it is. But when February 14 rolls around, couples trade letters and gifts.

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South Korea -

Valentine's Day is a popular holiday for young couples in South Korea, and variations of the holiday are celebrated from February through April. It starts on February 14, when women woo their men with chocolates, candies, and flowers. On March 14, it's the men's turn. And for those who are single, April 14 is their day.

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Wales -

People in Wales celebrate Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, on January 25. One traditional romantic Welsh gift is a love spoon, which men originally carved for the women they loved. Today, they're also exchanged for celebrations such as weddings, anniversaries, and births.

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China -

The equivalent of Valentine's Day in China is Qixi, or the Seventh Night Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. During this day, young women prepare offerings of melon and other fruits to Zhinu in hopes of finding a husband. Couples head to temples to pray for happiness and prosperity.

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England -

Back in the day, women placed bay leaves on their pillows on Valentine’s Eve to bring dreams of their future husbands. Today, couples get romantic with gift exchanges and romantic dinners.

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Brazil -

With Carnival held sometime in February or March each year, Brazilians skip the February 14 celebration and instead celebrate Dia dos Namorados, or Lovers' Day, on June 12. People exchange chocolates, cards, and flowers.

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Ghana -

Since Ghana is the second-largest cocoa exporter in the world, in 2005 they decided to declare February 14 National Chocolate Day. Delicious!

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Bulgaria -

On February 14, San Trifon Zartan is celebrated in Bulgaria, which means "Day of Winemakers." Both young and old couples celebrate their love with a glass of local wine.

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Italy -

Italians celebrate Valentine's Day with gift exchanges and romantic dinners. One of the most popular Valentine's Day gifts is Baci Perugina, which are small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts wrapped with a romantic quote printed on them.

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Germany -

Pigs are considered a symbol of luck in Germany, so it's not uncommon to give and receive pig statues, stuffed animals, and more on Valentine's Day.

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Argentina -

Argentinians don't traditionally celebrate Valentine’s Day in February. Instead, they celebrate their love during the "Week of Sweetness" in July. Lovers exchange gifts and chocolates, and other romantic gestures.

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Romania -

Celebrated on February 24, it's a popular day for young couples to get engaged. Some couples even wash their faces with snow as a sign of good luck.

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Taiwan -

In Taiwan, men will give huge bouquets to their loves on February 14 and later again on July 7. And if you receive a bouquet with exactly 108 roses, someone is asking you to marry them!

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Czech Republic -

In the Czech Republic, Valentine's Day is celebrated on May 1. On this day, young couples kiss under the cherry trees for good luck.

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Finland -

For anyone who is single, Finland is the place to be! Valentine's is all about celebrating with your friends. The day is even called Friend’s Day in Finnish.

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Peru -

Instead of exchanging roses, many Peruvians opt for orchids, a flower native to the country. They even hold mass weddings to accommodate all the couples wanting to get married on the most romantic day of the year.

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Estonia -

On February 14, Estonia celebrates Friendship Day, known as Sõbrapäev. The day is for everyone, couples and singles, to celebrate love.

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Japan -

Similar to South Korea, Japanese women buy gifts and chocolates for their male companions on February 14. Men can't return gifts until March 14.

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Mexico -

In Mexico, February 14 is called El Dia del Amor y la Amistad, or the Day of Love and Friendship. They celebrate similarly to other countries but with a Mexican twist.

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Philippines -

Valentine’s Day is a popular occasion for mass weddings where hundreds, sometimes even thousands, will tie the knot. These huge events are often sponsored by the government.

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Spain -

On April 23, in Catalonia, they celebrate Valentine’s Day and World Book Day all wrapped into one. Known as the festival of Saint Jordi, women receive a rose, while men receive a book.

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Thailand -

In Thailand’s Prachinburi province, couples who get married around Valentine’s Day often take part in a mountainside ceremony that involves climbing scary heights.

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Norway -

Norwegians have a tradition of writing poems to their beloved, and pressing a small white Snowdrop flower inside the paper.

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South Africa -

Like many parts of the world, South Africa celebrates Valentine's Day with flowers and other tokens of love. It's also customary for women to pin the names of their love interest on their shirtsleeves.

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Sweden -

In Sweden, Valentine’s Day is called alla hjärtans dag, which means "All Hearts' Day." Celebrated since the '60s, people exchange sweet pastries, candies, and jelly hearts.

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USA -

Couples in the US go all out in displaying their fondness for each other. Every year, Americans spend around US$25.9 billion on candy, cards, chocolates, flowers, and jewelry.

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Slovenia -

In Slovenia, St. Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. There's a popular belief that birds propose to each other on February 14, and to witness this one must walk barefoot through fields.

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Australia -

Valentine's Day traditions in Australia look similar to that of other countries around the world. However, they add in week-long music festivals in major cities.

See also: Valentine's Day–Surprise your partner with these romantic ideas

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