While the tradition of Valentine’s Day in the United States remains centered around significant others and gifts of love and romance, other cultures have a slightly different take on the holiday.

United Kingdom

Bearing more of a resemblance to American Christmas traditions, Valentine’s Day sees a character named Jack Valentine bringing treats and gifts to children.

Wales

In Wales, the patron saint of Welsh lovers is celebrated on Dydd Santes Dwynwen, or St. Dwynwen’s Day, on Jan. 25.

Denmark and Norway

Known as Valentinsdag, Valentine’s Day is these countries is not celebrated to a large extent but, when it is, follows American traditions of romance, with people taking time for romantic dinners and giving roses.

Sweden

The Swedish “All Hearts’ Day” was first celebrated in the 1960s to support the flower industry and because of the influence of American culture. It is not officially a holiday, but is widely celebrated.

Finland

In Finland, the word for Valentine’s Day, Ystavanpaiva, translates to “Friend’s Day,” and is more focused on friends instead of loved ones.

Turkey

Valentine’s Day is called Sevgililer Gunu, or “Sweethearts’ Day.”

Slovenia

Slovenia has only recently recognized Valentine’s Day as a day of love, whereas prior to that, it was celebrated as the day when the season of work in the vineyards and on the fields began.

Romania

In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers, Dragobete, is Feb. 24, but the country has recently started to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, despite backlash from those who consider it commercialistic and against Romanian culture.

Brazil

The “Day of the Enamored,” or Dia dos Namorados, is celebrated on June 12 and is a day when couples exchange gifts, including chocolates and flowers, much like the Untied States.

Japan and Korea

Contrary to U.S. tradition, Valentine’s Day in these Asian countries is a day when women, notmen, give candy, chocolate or flowers. However, on White Day, which takes place March 14, men are expected to return the favor. Additionally, South Korea celebrates Black Day, for single people, on April 14.

– Information compiled from Wikipedia.com