“What a grand thing, to be loved! What a grander thing still, to love!”

― Victor Hugo

Valentine’s Day-synonymous with all things love and romance. This annual February holiday, with its earliest origins dating back to the 8th century, first gained popularity in the United Kingdom and United States in the 1700’s with the invention of the paper Valentine card. In the United States, the first mass-produced Valentine cards were sold in 1847 and now, a staggering 145 million cards are sent each year! In addition to cards, exchanging chocolates, flowers and poems were also part of the early days of this celebration. These traditions helped lay the framework for what Valentine’s has become today.

As the celebration of this holiday has evolved over time, its primary focus has always been deeply rooted in displays of love and affection. Modern day expressions often include jewelry, flowers, chocolates/candy, stuffed animals, and romantic dinners. Not surprisingly, it has even become the most popular day in America for marriage proposals.

The price of showering your loved one with gifts can often come with a hefty price tag. In fact, Americans will spend nearly 26 billion dollars this year celebrating the holiday. This has increased from the nearly 24 billion that was spent last year. While some criticize the holiday as being commercialized, the popularity of Valentine’s Day is clearly alive and well with no signs of slowing down. No matter your budget, the old adage is true; it really is the thought that counts.

In the United States, primarily couples celebrate Valentine’s Day. There is however, a popular tradition where schoolchildren exchange candy and cards with their fellow classmates. The current trend has young students making elaborate card exchange boxes to display on their desks, designed to hold their cards and treats. There has also been a shift towards the addition of acknowledging the love of your friends with “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s” Day. Regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show everyone close to you just how much you love him or her.

Valentine’s Day has a massive global reach with many countries celebrating this enduring holiday. Similarities do exist but each country has carved out their own traditions to make it special and unique to their culture. No matter where or how it is celebrated, the emphasis on love remains at the core of this beautiful and beloved holiday.

Here is a quick look at how just a few countries celebrate Valentine's Day!

Mexico

Mexico refers to the special day as"El Día del Amor y Amistad," which translates to the "Day of Love and Friendship.” Everyone, regardless of their relationship status, exchanges gifts of cards, chocolate, flowers, etc. with family and friends.

Philippines

Celebrations in the Philippines are similar to those in Western countries, but one tradition in particular that stands out is mass wedding ceremonies. In recent years, it has gained massive popularity, with hundreds of couples gathering at public areas around the country each year to marry or renew their vows collectively.

Denmark

Despite its ancient roots, Valentine’s Day is relatively new in Denmark, with celebrations beginning in the 1990’s. Drawing inspiration from American traditions, they added their own unique spin on the holiday. Couples, as well as friends, exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers called “snowdrops”. Another popular tradition is the writing of “gaekkebrev”, which translates to “joking letter”. This can be a poem or a love note. The sender of the “gaekkebrev” signs the message with dots instead of his or her name. The recipient must guess whom the sender is, and if successful will be rewarded with an Easter egg. Valentine's Day in Denmark is celebrated just a few weeks before Easter, making it an extension of Danish Easter tradition.

Italy

Valentine’s Day in Italy is La Festa di San Valentino (Saint Valentine’s Day) or La Festa degli Innamorati(The Lovers’ Holiday). It is common to give your romantic partner Perugina Baci chocolates. These delectable candies have a hazelnut or sweet cherry center covered by wrappers featuring poetic sentiments. Valentine’s Day in Italy is generallycelebrated by couples only and tends to be more popular among young couples and new lovers than it is for established, older couples.

South Africa

In South Africa, the holiday is in honor of the Roman festival Lupercalia. Women literally “wear their heart on their sleeves” by writing the name of their lover on a piece of paper and pinning it to their sleeve. Multi-day festivals along with the gifts and cards are also popular ways to celebrate this day of love.

France

Valentine’s Day is “la Saint Valentin” in French. Unlike other countries, it is a holiday just for those in romantic love. It is not common for children or friends to exchange cards or gifts. The city of Paris, known for its romantic reputation, is a popular hotspot for Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Japan

In Japan, the women are expected to be the principal gift givers.While, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, another holiday called White Day is celebrated a month later, on March 14th. White Day was not established until the 1980’s but is used as a “reply day” for men to reciprocate the gifts they received a month prior.

*Sources: Wikipedia, CNBC, Huffpost, Denmark.net, Today.com, FrenchToday.com, jrailpass.com.