If you want to express your love to your significant other, then you might be thinking about sending a romantic card, flowers, chocolates, or stuffed animals. But if you look around the world, not every country turns to greetings cards and heart-shaped sweets to declare their everlasting love

In our multicultural western world, you may have attended the wedding of friends or family who has decided to honour the ancient traditions of their families, wherever they originate. We have a look at the love traditions of a few countries.

South Korea

There are variations of Valentine’s Day held between February and April for lovers in South Korea. On 14 February, it’s up to women to woo their men with chocolates and flowers, but come 14 March, or White Day, the roles are reversed and it’s time for the men to do their best to impress their ladies with impressive gifts.

However, on 14 April, it is Black day, where the singles can mourn their solitary status by eating dark bowls of jajangmyeon, or black bean paste noodles.

China

Qixi, or the Seventh Night Festival, is the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day and falls on the seventh lunar month each year.

According to Chinese lore, Zhinu, a heavenly king’s daughter, and Niulang, a poor cowherd, fell in love, married and had twins. When Zhinu’s father learned of their marriage, he sent his queen to bring Zhinu back to the stars. Upon hearing the cries of Niulang and the children, the king allowed Zhinu and Niulang to meet once a year on Qixi.

During Qixi, young women prepare offerings of melon and other fruits to Zhinu in hopes of finding a good husband. Couples also head to temples to pray for happiness and prosperity.

Wales

Instead of celebrating Saint Valentine, the Welsh celebrate the patron saint of lovers, Saint Dwynwen, on 25 January. The traditional romantic gift is a handmade welsh love spoon, which dates back to the 17th century.

Welsh men carved intricate wooden spoons as a token of affection for the women they loved. Patterns and symbols were carved into these love spoons, each signifying a different meaning.

Today, love spoons are also exchanged for celebrations such as weddings, anniversaries and births.

If you’re looking for handmade Welsh love spoons, see what we have in stock today.