Valentine's Day in the United States, is a widespread holiday celebrated by platonic friends, couples, and even kids in schools. It is most commonly celebrated through gifts of flowers, chocolates, or teddy bears as well as a romantic dinner or handwritten card. However, around the world, there are many different traditions or ways of celebrating this holiday of love and appreciation. 

While most countries celebrate with the standard roses, chocolates, and cards, many countries do have their version of the holiday or traditions that stray away from the norm. In South Africa, women pin the names of their crushes on their sleeves. This practice is an old Roman tradition that is still done to this day. While in the Western world, it is mostly expected of men to show their love on this special day through thoughtful words and gifts, in Japan the roles are flipped. On February 14th women in Japan give out two different types of chocolates, Giri-choco, known as the obligation chocolate, is given to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. Honmei-choco, translated to the true feelings of chocolate, is given to a romantic partner. While the women put in the work in February, White Day: A month later, on March 14th, is for the men who received chocolates to return the favor by giving gifts, which are often more expensive, with the expectation that they show their affection in return. Lastly, In Finland, Valentine's Day is more about celebrating friendship than romantic love. It's called Ystävänpäivä, or "Friend's Day," and people often exchange cards, flowers, and small gifts with their friends, not just lovers. The celebration is more inclusive and communal.

Whether it's a grand public gesture, a day dedicated to self-love, or simple flowers and a card, Valentine's Day around the world brings people together through acts of love and appreciation. It embraces human emotions and is just another example of how and why humans celebrate each other.