Valentine’s Day has many different meanings to different people. Just here in the U.S.A., Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many people not in permanent or romantic relationships. In other parts of the world, the celebrations vary from just couples to just singles to only friends.

For example, Valentine’s Day in the United States has become a day of gift giving. Valentine’s Day cards are second only to card for Mother’s Day. I’m not sure if this includes the little punch-out paper ones the kids exchange at school or not. Kids pass out Valentine’s to their classes. Not just to the ones they like. I’ve even received them at various workplaces throughout the years.

In some countries, Valentine’s Day is frowned upon. In one country, red colored items are banned in the markets prior to February 14th. In another country, religious fanatics wander the streets on Valentine’s Day forcing couples seen together, to marry or be punished.

Valentine’s Day as we celebrate it here in the U.S. is starting to go global. With it’s roots in Europe and North America, the traditions of Valentine’s Day are starting to spread to the Middle East and most of the rest of Asia to some extent. The commercialization of the lover’s holiday has spread it’s message world-wide.

In Korea, the 14th of every month is a love related holiday. Valentine’s Day in Korea is a day for women to give chocolate to men and the 14th of March is for the men to give to the women. One of the 14ths is for single people to lament their single status.

In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is a day for recognition of friends, not lovers.

Japan, in a similar fashion as Korea, uses Valentine’s Day to encourage gifts of chocolate from women to men. It’s a sign of status for a man to have lots of chocolate on his desk on February 14th. The type of chocolate also plays a part in the Japanese Valentine’s Day traditions. There are different varieties for the type of expression the woman is trying to make on the man she presents the chocolate too. She is required to gift chocolate to each of the men in her workplace.

However you chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, remember it’s a day of love. And chocolate. ;)