More Than a Hallmark Holiday- Valentines Around the World
Every February 14th, like clockwork, love takes center stage. In the U.S., it's all about heart-shaped candy boxes, dinner reservations, and those little folded Valentine’s cards that kids pass around in classrooms. For many, it’s a day of romantic gestures—roses arriving on the doorstep, love notes written on a Hallmark Card carefully selected from the wall that’s full of them at your grocery store or CVS, and for today's teens, a perfectly curated Instagram caption. But at its core, Valentine's Day isn't just about couples—it's about connections—love in all its forms. Love, after all, isn’t limited to candlelit dinners and dramatic declarations. It’s in the friendships we value, the families who lift us up -chosen or biological- and even the strangers who surround us. Because when February 14th rolls around, the world tends to be a lighter, more love fueled place, even if just for a day.
Think back for just a second—remember being in elementary school, carefully decorating a little paper bag or shoebox to collect Valentines from classmates? Everyone would get so excited for the class party at the end of the day; anticipation was building up to the moment you got home with a big box of candy from all your classmates. There was no exclusivity, no pressure. Everyone got a card, and for that afternoon, love was innocently shared between every student.
And sure, as we get older, Valentine's Day sometimes shifts into a day of romantic possibilities or expectations. One where we get giddy in hopes that we might wake up to a surprise from a special someone. But what if we could bring back that simple joy, that reminder that love isn’t just about romance? Valentine's Day is different all around the world. So, while we are here in the U.S. celebrating with red hearts, sparkly decor, and the clinking sound of champagne glasses, the rest of the world does things a bit differently.
In Finland, they’ve cracked the code. They call it Ystävänpäivä—“Day of the Friends.” Instead of making it a day of romantically inclined gestures, it’s about celebrating friendships and appreciating the people who make life brighter, no matter their role. People exchange cards and small gifts with friends, ensuring everyone feels the love that the day is about celebrating. It’s the same in Estonia, where February 14th is "Sõbrapäev," a day to honor all kinds of love.
And honestly, doesn’t that sound kind of perfect? After all, some of the best love stories aren’t the ones between soulmates but the ones between best friends. The people who show up for you when life gets messy, who know exactly how to make you laugh when you’re down, who listen to your rants when you need it most—that’s love, too. Love in the form that we see most in our college years. These are said to be the days when we find the people who become bridesmaids and groomsmen, the “aunt” or “uncle” to a future child, the second family that we get to choose. So who wouldn’t want to celebrate those relationships?
Even here in the U.S., you can see glimpses of these Finnish or Swedish traditions of the day of love. Galentine’s Day (fun fact: was coined by Parks and Rec legend Leslie Knope) is now a full-fledged movement. Every February 13th, friends celebrate their best girl friends, proving that love isn't just about romance but loyalty, laughter, and in many cases a boozy brunch.
And a notable mention for family traditions—grandparents mailing Valentine's cards, siblings swapping candy, or parents mailing care packages to dorm rooms across the country. While familial love may come in a USPS package that your dorm/ apartment loses and takes a week to track down… it's special nonetheless.
Then there’s South Korea, where Valentine’s Day traditions take a unique twist. On February 14th, women give chocolates to men and a month later on March 14 or Hwaiteu-Dei -literally translated to White Day- men reciprocate by giving gifts of their own. And for the singles who don’t receive anything? Don’t fret! There’s Beullaekdei or “Black Day” on April 14th, where singles gather to eat black noodles and embrace their solo status with love and good food. Because for them love isn’t just about having a date—it’s about finding joy in whatever season of life you find yourself in. I find this adaptation of Valentine's Day incredibly special because you have the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated no matter what your relationship status may be.
No matter where you are in the world, Valentine's Day, at its best, is a day for love in all its messy, beautiful forms. Whether it’s writing a heartfelt note to a friend, cooking dinner with your roommates, or simply reminding the people in your life that they matter—this day is a chance to celebrate the connections that make us human. Because love isn’t just roses and candlelight; it’s everywhere. We see it everyday; in a moment of uncontrollable laughter with a friend, a quiet night on the couch with your family, or singing your favorite song as loud as you can with your roommates. Love fills every room, and while we may call it out explicitly on anniversaries, birthdays, and this week- Valentine’s Day, it really does exist everywhere.
So, whether you’re spending February 14th with a significant other, your best friends, your family, or just treating yourself to a sweet treat— love is everywhere. And that’s worth celebrating.