Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, and each country has its own traditions. in the United States, Valentine’s Day takes place every year on February 14. Many Americans celebrate by sending cards, giving gifts like chocolate or flowers, and sharing a meal together.
Gifts
Valentine’s Day in the U.S. often focuses on romantic partners. The day is also a time to show appreciation for friends and family. The type of gift usually depends on the type of relationship.
Flowers are a popular gift. People often give flowers to friends, family, or romantic partners. Roses are usually given to romantic partners. Chocolates are another common gift. Chocolates are often shared with friends, classmates, or romantic partners.
People in long-term relationships may exchange more expensive gifts. Common examples include jewelry, perfume, or cologne. People of all genders often exchange gifts with one another.
The United States has many cultures and traditions. Valentine’s Day celebrations can look different from person to person. Some people focus more on giving gifts to women. Others focus on sharing appreciation equally between partners.
Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are an important part of Valentine’s Day in the U.S. Many Americans call these cards “valentines.” Schoolchildren often exchange Valentine cards and candy with classmates. Students sometimes make their own cards in class. Many cards include images of hearts, red roses, or Cupid.
Valentine cards usually include short and kind messages. A popular rhyme says, “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.” Some people buy cards from a store. Other people prefer handmade cards. Most Americans care more about the message than the card itself.
Romantic Dinners
Many Americans in romantic relationships celebrate with a special dinner. Couples may cook a meal at home or go to a nice restaurant. In fact, Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, and many restaurants offer special menus for couples. Reservations are often needed at popular restaurants.
Some people prepare a special meal at home. The meal may include a favorite food or a carefully planned dish. Soft music and candles often help create a romantic setting. The feeling behind the meal usually matters more than the food itself.
Valentine’s Day in the United States focuses on care and appreciation. Romantic partners celebrate most often, but friends and family also take part. Gifts, cards, and shared meals help people show love and connection. Thoughtfulness and sincerity matter more than money or formality for many Americans.
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the English Language Center.
In Turkey we just celebrate with our partner at the 14th of February. I didn’t know in here we also celebrating as a friends and family
Thanks for your comment, Nur. Here in the US, it’s traditionally for romantic partners, but more and more people are extending it to friends and family now.
I’m glad to get to learn what Valentine’s day means to American and what they usually do. Jack said that for many Americans, thoughtfulness and sincerity mattered more than money or formality. Furthermore, they care more about the message than the card itself. I totally agree with their point of view and what does matter when it comes to love. I like the intention of this day since I believe showing love and connection in a relationship is essential!
Absolutely, Gahyeon! Thanks for reading.
As a foreigner, this was very helpfull to understand Valentine’s Day traditions a little better. Awesome!
Thanks, Julia. Happy to help!
Thanks, Jack, for this topic, which was interesting to me because in Colombia we celebrate the “dia del amor y la amistad,” which is very similar to Valentine’s Day, but in September. Now I understand why in all stores we have an abundance of red hearts, cards, chocolates, etc. since January, I think that we can celebrate friendship every day because it is a gift, mostly when we are so far from our friends and families, and in some cases far from our loves too. Thanks to UT and all the people who work hard and take care of us.
Thank you for sharing about the custom in Colombia, Luzmila. It does sound very similar, but at a different time of year!
I appreciate how you captured the essence of Valentine’s Day in the U.S. as a thoughtful tradition for everyone to share their heartfelt appreciation beyond just romantic love.
Thank you for reading, Jay.
I was very curious about how to celebrate or what kind of gift to give on Valentine’s Day to my boyfriend and friends. In Colombia, we celebrate the love and friendship day in september but I was not totally secure of how similar this holiday was to Valentine’s Day. What I found is that they are very similar! Now I’m ready to think about what to gift to my loved ones. Thank you!!
Thank you for reading, Angelica. I’m glad to hear it helped you understand this holiday in the US!
I enjoyed reading this blog post about Valentine’s Day in the U.S.
It clearly explains the different traditions, and I liked that it shows Valentine’s Day is not only about romantic partners, but also about friends and family. The part about greeting cards was especially interesting to me, because exchanging cards at school is not very common in France. I also appreciated the idea that thoughtfulness and sincerity matter more than money.
Thank you for this clear and informative post !
Thank you for reading, Emilie. Thank you for your insight into French culture as well!