Love Days Around the World: White Day, Qixi and St Dwynwen's Day
A tour of romantic celebrations beyond 14 February, from Japan's White Day to China's Qixi Festival and Wales's St Dwynwen's Day.
Valentine's Day is the best-known celebration of love, but it is far from the only one. Many countries have their own days, each with its own customs.
Valentine's Day (14 February)
Celebrated in many countries, with cards, flowers, chocolates and dinners. The customs vary: in some places couples exchange gifts, while in others friends and family are included too.
White Day (Japan, 14 March)
In Japan, women often give chocolates on 14 February. A month later, on White Day, those who received gifts return them, often with something of equal or higher value.
Qixi Festival (China)
Qixi falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is based on the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet once a year. It is sometimes called "Chinese Valentine's Day".
Dia dos Namorados (Brazil, 12 June)
The Day of Lovers in Brazil is celebrated on 12 June, the eve of the feast of St Anthony, who is associated with matchmaking. Couples exchange gifts and cards.
St Dwynwen's Day (Wales, 25 January)
St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. On her day, people may exchange cards and traditional carved lovespoons, a Welsh gift of affection.
Friends' Day (Finland and Estonia, 14 February)
In Finland, 14 February is known as Ystävänpäivä, "Friend's Day". People remember friends as well as partners.
Black Day (South Korea, 14 April)
On Black Day, single people traditionally eat black noodles, a humorous custom for those who did not receive gifts on the earlier love days.
What they show
- Love is celebrated in many forms: romantic, friendly and playful.
- Gift-giving is common, but ideas differ.
- Stories and legends give each day its meaning.
Ideas for your own celebration
You don't need a special date. You could:
- Pick your own day, such as the day you met.
- Write a message to someone you love.
- Share a quote or a joke.
- Try a lighthearted game, like comparing names on a fun app such as True Love Calculator, which is made for entertainment.
Tips
- Learn about a custom from another culture.
- Celebrate friends as well as partners.
- Enjoy the story behind each day.
True Love Calculator
A fun love percentage calculator, plus love quotes to send
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