Valentine's Day in different cultures- how love is celebrated around the world

Valentine’s Day! Who doesn’t love the sweetest holiday around? Well, probably most single people, but the thought is there.

There are lots of ideas of what makes the best Valentine's date, such as a beautiful bunch of flowers, a candlelight dinner, or even a game of mini golf, but there is so much more out there in the world that we are yet to uncover or even try.

Let's look at Brazil, their version of Valentine's is called Dia dos Namorados, and it even sounds romantic. Instead of celebrating on the classic date of the 14^th of February, this celebration is actually in June on the 12^th which is the eve of the feast of St Anthony who is the patron saint of marriage, an appropriate date for the celebration of love I would say. The Brazilian date still celebrates the traditional way with gifts and romantic dates with their partner.

Heading over to the Czech Republic, this country celebrates ‘The Day of Love’ as opposed to Valentine's Day on the first of May. The traditional way of spending ‘The Day of Love’ for those in this country would be for couples to visit the statue of Czech poet Karel Hynek Macha located near a cherry tree grove and kiss underneath as a sign of good luck- I think Britain could do with stepping their game up to be honest.

We all know that the most common symbol of romance and Valentine's Day is the heart, right? Well, if you’re bored of seeing that everywhere your best bet is to head over to Germany. In this country, the tradition is all about pigs. You heard that right pigs! German couples will often give gifts in the shape of a pig, it is supposed to be a symbol of both love and lust.

A very bold show of affection comes from South Africa where, on the 15^th of February in honour of the Roman festival Lupercalia, women will quite literally wear their heart on their sleeves as they pin the name of their loved one onto their sleeve!

In my opinion, I saved one of the best till last. When heading over to the Philippines the government has got you covered, they host a huge marriage ceremony so hundreds of those in love can tie the knot, what better way to show your love than getting married in a room full of hundreds of strangers right!