Valentine’s Day is a magical time of year when love seems to be in the air everywhere you go. Across the globe, February 14 is a day filled with sweet gestures, heartfelt words, and celebrations of affection. Yet, while the spirit of the day is universal, the way it’s celebrated varies beautifully from one country to another, adding a unique charm to this special occasion.

Let’s take a journey through the world and see how people in different corners of the globe express their love and gratitude on Valentine’s Day.

In Japan, February 14 begins with a twist. Here, it’s the women who take the lead, gifting chocolates to the men in their lives. But not all chocolates are created equal. There’s giri-choco—a friendly token for colleagues or acquaintances—and honmei-choco, reserved for that one special person. Imagine the care and love poured into homemade chocolates, crafted by hand to say, “You mean the world to me.” And just when you think it’s over, a month later, on White Day, the men return the gesture with gifts, often even grander, creating a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving.

In France, the country synonymous with romance, Valentine’s Day feels like something out of a fairytale. Couples exchange love letters, flowers, and delicate chocolates. Imagine strolling through a quaint village where trees are decorated with notes and tokens of love. The day feels like it belongs to the poets and dreamers, a time to bask in the beauty of connection and intimacy.

Farther south in Brazil, love blooms not in February but on June 12, during Dia dos Namorados, the Lovers’ Day. It’s a celebration that feels like a summer festival—vibrant, joyful, and filled with music and laughter. Couples exchange gifts, enjoy romantic dinners, and honor Saint Anthony, the patron saint of love and marriage. Even singles join in, performing little rituals in hopes of finding their one true love.

In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is just the beginning. February 14 sees women gifting chocolates, much like in Japan, but the celebrations don’t end there. White Day in March is for men to reciprocate, and April brings Black Day—a quirky, heartwarming gathering for singles who console one another over bowls of black bean noodles. It’s a reminder that love comes in many forms, and sometimes, it’s the camaraderie of friends that makes life sweet.

Meanwhile, in Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day takes on a softer, more inclusive tone. Here, it’s not just about romance but about celebrating all the people who make life beautiful. Known as Friend’s Day, it’s a time to share kind words and little tokens of affection with friends and loved ones. Imagine a day filled with warm hugs, shared laughter, and heartfelt thank-yous for simply being there.

And in Kyrgyzstan, the day has become a beloved tradition, especially for young people. Picture cozy cafes in Bishkek adorned with hearts and roses, couples exchanging flowers and chocolates, and families gathering to share the joy of the day. While it’s not a centuries-old tradition, Valentine’s Day in Kyrgyzstan carries the warmth and hospitality the country is known for, making it a day to cherish not just romantic love but all the connections that bring meaning to life.

What’s striking about Valentine’s Day is how, no matter where you are in the world, its essence remains the same: love, gratitude, and connection. Whether it’s the careful crafting of chocolates in Japan, the poetic exchanges in France, or the joyful celebrations in Brazil, the day is a universal reminder that love is worth celebrating.

So, whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your soulmate, your closest friends, or even treating yourself to something special, take a moment to reflect on the beauty of love in all its forms. After all, love knows no borders, and its language is one we all understand.