St. Valentine’s Day in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
St. Valentine’s Day is a holiday when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. St. Valentine’s Day came from West to CIS countries at the end of the 1990s. But how people in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus celebrate this non-official holiday?
Valentine's cards with kissing birds or small winged angel Cupid, the most famous symbol of Valentine's Day, are given away. Young people in schools and universities write each other Valentine's cards, which are thrown into a specially prepared post box. That is why St. Valentine’s Day is an extremely exciting day for all young people: “Will I get a Valentine's card also and from whom?” Some schools organize small concerts or a disco for students.
Roses as a symbol of love, are usual gifts on St. Valentine’s Day. Girls and women receive sweets, some small heart-shaped presents and jewellery. On this day couples visit cinemas or have romantic dinner together.
If a couple plans their wedding during winter, they try to organize the wedding on the 14th of February. A practical solution to never forget your own wedding date.
In 2020 in Belarus, 23 couples locked lips for one hour in a pre-Valentine’s Day event during a kissing marathon in Galleria Minsk shopping mall. The main criterion for choosing the winners was not only the duration of the kiss, but also its creativity. The winning couple Tatyana and Dmitry Zelenkovy have been together for 17 years, they raise three children.
St. Valentine's Day around the world
Regardless of its origin, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world.
Italy
Italians present each other with small, chocolate-covered hazelnut candies as a sign of love. Italian couples also follow the tradition of padlocking their love to a bridge and throwing the key away. A four-day Valentine’s celebration takes place in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. There is also a love-letter writing contest and romantic dinner specials in restaurants around the town.
Finland
Valentine's Day in Finland is understood as friendship day. Sympathy alone decides who receives a card or a small gift.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day is banned by the religious police.
Philippines
Just like in other countries, Valentine's Day is celebrated in the Philippines on the 14th of February. Many people specifically choose this day to confess their feelings, to propose or to marry. In 2012, over 2.000 couples married during mass weddings held by local governments. Men also cook dinner or present some useful things on this day.
Japan
Japanese women traditionally present chocolates to men. But one month later, on the 14th of March, the White day (original Marshmallow Day), men give reciprocal gifts to those who gave them gifts on Valentine's Day.
Australia
Unlike Europe, Australia celebrates Lovers' Day at high summer temperatures. Boat tours, romantic picnics, or unusual meals in noble restaurants for two are popular in Australia on Valentine's Day.
If you are still looking for the right present for your sweetheart, you should hurry up! ♥