Starting off with one of the most well-known romantic places in the world, France, Valentine’s Day has a history in this country of love. As Valentine’s Day cards originated from here, their most remembered tradition is called “Une Loterie d’amour” which translates to “drawing for love.” This involved single men and women of all ages entering houses that faced opposite of each other and take turns calling out to one another until they were paired up. If the man didn’t like his match, then he would leave the woman for another man to call. But, the women that ended up not getting picked at all would meet up after that and have a bonfire to make fun of all the men who didn’t pick them. This tradition soon got banned by the French government from this just getting too out of control and rowdy.

In Germany, lovers will not only exchange flowers, chocolates, and cards, but a pig! (No, not a real one, unless someone wants to really go that crazy.) The pig represents luck and lust and can be given in picture form, as a miniature statue, or in chocolate. Germans also prepare big cookies made out of ginger in heart shapes that usually contain romantic phrases, like “Ich liebe dich” (I love you).

In Italy, according to an old tradition, the first man a girl sees that day will become her husband and they would be married within a year. But currently, Valentine’s day is celebrated with a festival where couples enjoy music, poetry, and exchange gifts like the “baci perugina,” a box of small hazelnut-filled chocolate “kisses” (baci means “kiss” in Italian).

Taiwan focuses on flowers for Valentine’s day, as this is what Taiwan is famous for. Here, the men are expected to give bouquets of flowers to their loved ones. The number and colors of the flowers tell an important message, according to Taiwanese tradition. Red roses represent “an only love,” 99 roses expresses “love forever,” and 108 roses, yes that exact number, signifies “Will you marry me?”

Japan’s traditions are opposite America’s because women are the ones to buy the men gifts; the main focus is placed on the men on February 14th. Though, a month later on March 14th, the men are expected to get women gifts of chocolate and such. But in Japan, chocolate has more of a meaning than just being a nice, sweet treat to gift someone. “Giri Choco,” (chocolates with no romantic association) are only given to male friends, colleagues, or even bosses. If women want to show another kind of “affection,” they will include a handmade gift plus the “Honmei Choco” (a chocolate that signifies romance).

Mexico follows most of the same traditions as everywhere else but also has a quite unique one. One of the most fascinating Mexican Valentine’s Day traditions happens on the evening of Valentine’s Day; a man will stand outside, beneath the window, of the lady’s house that he wants to express his love to, accompanied by a trio of musicians known as a Mariachi band. They will sing and play songs of love to win the heart of his lady. This tradition has been in practice in Mexico since ancient times.