Valentine’s Day Celebrations Around the World

Lovebirds are singing, secret admirers are writing notes and Cupid’s readying his bow. Valentine’s Day is upon us and, while it traditionally celebrates romantic love, might we consider expanding its meaning?

If romance is the rose, love is the soil—grounding, life-giving and enriched by many other intimate experiences. We learn to love by being loved, learn to listen by being heard, learn to care by being taken care of. In every corner of our lives, we’ll find these teachers who impart these invaluable lessons. They deserve to be celebrated!

To wit, across the world, different cultures interpret Valentine’s Day in different ways to recognize love in all its forms. Let’s take a page out of their books, shall we?

Friendship

In Estonia, February 14th is known as “Friends Day,” a day devoted to all the love in your life.

Reorienting our focus toward friendship challenges the cultural narrative that romantic relationships are the primary source of fulfillment, also embracing sisterhood as a powerful source of meaning in our lives. The idea of "Friends Day" thrills us at Marcella, as we’re a brand believing to our core in the solidarity between women. We’re stronger together!

Chocolate

In Ghana, February 14th is "National Chocolate Day" and was created to encourage more chocolate consumption to receive its health benefits (yes, the idea that chocolate is "healthy" is so clearly obvious to us here at Marcella...). 

Similarly, women in Japan celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving “Giri-choco,” chocolate for friends, and “Honmei-choco,” chocolate for lovers. Many women make the chocolate themselves, believing it’s only true love if it’s homemade.

Following their lead, but reinterpreting it for fashion, what about gifting handcrafted designs in a rich, chocolate-y espresso colorway? Like the Baxter Turtleneck Dress or the Cara Top?

That’s an expression of true love, if you ask us…for others or for yourself!

The Gift of Books

In Catalonia, Spain, women express their affection by gifting books. 

With the Marcella mission to advance women and girls globally, this tradition speaks to one of our brand's love languages: education (have you seen The School Days Project?). Access to education is one of the greatest gifts we can give—not only is it a fundamental human right, but human beings have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share. Nurturing that exchange of knowledge can change everything - for an individual person or for an entire society.

This Valentine's Day, our team is inspired not only to potentially love a special someone but to expand the horizon and to create new traditions that celebrate the growth, togetherness and meaning that genuine human connection can foster.

In that spirit, we're sending you today peace, abundance and joy!

With love, Team Marcella

1 comment

Your exploration of celebrations during Valentine’s Day around the world is a delightful read, shedding light on the diverse ways people express love and affection. From Wales’ unique love spoons to the romantic rituals in Italy, your article beautifully captures the global tapestry of traditions, making Valentine’s Day a truly universal celebration of love.

Daniel Williams March 13, 2024

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