Celebrate Love Across the Globe: Valentine’s Traditions from Different Countries

Hi, I’m Akeelah, founder of Little Global Citizens. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore how love and friendship are celebrated around the world. My boys and I are diving into these global traditions this month, and I hope your family will join us in spreading the love!

Why Explore Valentine’s Traditions Around the World?

Teaching kids about how love and friendship are celebrated globally fosters empathy, curiosity, and appreciation for diversity. Valentine’s traditions vary widely, offering a fun and meaningful way to introduce geography and cultural studies to kids.

1. Japan: Honmei and Giri Chocolate Giving

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about chocolate! Women give honmei choco (true feeling chocolates) to loved ones and giri choco (obligation chocolates) to friends and colleagues. A month later, on White Day, men reciprocate with gifts for the women.

Activity: Create Chocolate Gift Boxes

• Materials: Cardstock, markers, glue, and ribbon.

• Instructions: Design and fold small boxes using cardstock. Decorate them with hearts and Japanese calligraphy. Fill them with candy or chocolate.

• Why It’s Fun: Kids can learn about gratitude and the thoughtfulness behind gift-giving in Japan.

• Fun Fact: The chocolate industry in Japan sees a 20% boost during Valentine’s season!
  

2. South Africa: Love Notes and Dance Parties

South Africans celebrate with love letters—notes expressing affection pinned to clothing! It’s also common to join vibrant dance parties and share meals with loved ones.

Activity: Make Your Own Love Note Pins

• Materials: Cardboard, markers, safety pins, and decorative paper.

• Instructions: Cut out heart shapes, write love notes on them, and decorate. Attach a safety pin and wear them proudly.

• Why It’s Fun: It’s a wonderful way to encourage kids to express their appreciation for friends and family.

• Fun Fact: Some South Africans celebrate "Lupercalia," an ancient Roman festival that influenced modern Valentine’s Day.

3. Denmark: Snowdrops and Gaekkebrev Poems

In Denmark, friends and loved ones exchange pressed snowdrops and anonymous poems called gaekkebrev (joking letters). Recipients must guess the sender’s identity.

Activity: Write and Decorate Gaekkebrev Poems

• Materials: White paper, pens, and pressed flowers.

• Instructions: Write short, rhyming poems, decorate with pressed flowers, and sign with dots representing your name. Share them with friends and family.

• Why It’s Fun: This activity combines creativity and mystery while teaching kids about Danish culture.

• Fun Fact: If the recipient guesses the sender correctly, they receive an Easter egg as a reward!

Bringing It All Together

Interactive Map Activity: Use a map to locate Japan, South Africa, and Denmark. Discuss how geography and culture influence traditions.

Story Time: Share love-themed folktales from around the world to deepen cultural understanding.

Why Global Learning Matters

Exploring Valentine’s traditions worldwide shows kids that love and friendship are universal. It’s a joyful way to make geography and cultural studies engaging while nurturing kindness and curiosity.

I’ll be trying out the gaekkebrev poems with my boys this week—how about you? Which tradition will your family try first? Let me know or share your experiences on social media.