Valentine’s Day, Barentaindē or Dia dos Namorados, is celebrated Feb. 14 in many parts of the world but each country has its own way of celebrating it. 

In the US, Valentine’s Day is seen primarily as a day for couples to show their love through romantic gestures like exchanging gifts, going to dinner or spending quality time together, but not only for couples, some families also give presents for their kids.

Addison Leal, freshman forensic investigation and science major, talked about how she used to think that Valentine’s Day was “stupid,” but her view changed when she got into a relationship. 

“It’s important to show each other love,” Leal said. “My parents usually gave me and my brother a gift card, some candy or chocolates.” 

In Japan, Barentaindē, or “バレンタインデー,” is a little bit different. The girls give chocolates to boys that they like and others might make chocolates for their entire class as a friendly gesture. But only girls give chocolates and boys are expected to reciprocate on “White Day,” which is celebrated exactly a month after Valentine’s Day. If a boy receives chocolates from multiple girls, he has the obligation to return the favor by giving chocolates to them on White Day. 

“Even if he doesn’t like them, he has to give it back, this is a way of showing respect,” said Ryoya Matsumoto, junior mass media major.

In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is celebrated June 12, instead of Feb. 14. Dia dos Namorados is a time for couples to exchange gifts and celebrate their love for each other. The tradition is similar to the US, but in Brazil, it has a bigger emphasis on romance and it’s not common for parents to give chocolate or presents to their kids on Valentine’s Day.

Each of these traditions offers a unique way of commemorating the day; sometimes it’s in romantic dinners, chocolate-giving exchange or maybe a festive celebration, but the idea is the same of showing appreciation and affection, whether it’s between partners, friends or family.

Edited by Stuti Khadka and Morgan Albrecht