Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Feature

Although Valentine's Day may seem to be an American holiday, celebrations of love know no borders. Here is how Valentine's Day is celebrated across the globe.

Italy

In Italy, Valentine's Day is known as 'il giorno di San Valentino", according to Rosalba Nickelman, lecturer in Italian. The day is only celebrated by people who are dating, engaged, or married. For example, parents and children would never exchange cards or well wishes, and it would be considered awkward to do so. Nickelman said the day is less commercial than it is in the United States, and as a rule Italians do not exchange cards as frequently. However, Nickelman added, things in Italy are changing with increased use of the Internet and many holidays are becoming more "Americanized."

France

According to Barbara Galbraith, lecturer in French, Valentine's Day is known as La Saint Valentin in France. Similar to Italy, the day is specifically for lovers and elementary children would not exchange cards, according to Galbraith. Chocolate is a favorite gift.

Germany

In Germany, Valentine's Day is celebrated more or less the same way as it is in the United States, according to Dr. Elena-Maria Chandler, instructor of German. Men are expected to give flowers or chocolate to their significant other. Chandler noted that in Germany, however, love tokens are expected to be given year round and not just on special occasions.

Japan

Valentine's Day is celebrated in Japan, though in one major way it is the opposite of celebrations in the United States. Women are expected to give chocolates and other gifts to men. On another holiday known as White Day, men give gifts to women, according to Dawn Kiel, lecturer in Japanese. White Day is celebrated one month after Valentine's Day, on March 14.

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Valentine's Day is known as "el Dia de San Valentin" or "el Dia del Amor y la Amistad, according to Dorothy Alvarez, instructor of Spanish. Celebrations are very similar to those in the United States. Couples or friends will go out to eat and exchange gifts such as chocolates, flowers, cards and stuffed animals, and occasionally parents will give small gifts to children.

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