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You sweetheart adorningly feeding you chocolate or sitting first class as you are romantically whisked away on a second honeymoon, these are just a few ways your Valentine’s Day can become an unforgettable memory.  But the day of unbridle passion does not only have to take place on Feb. 14, because we have found five international destinations that put a unique spin on the  holiday romantic traditions you won’t necessarily find in February.     

Israel: Tu B’Av

It is one thing to be born into a family of all girls or as an only child, but to have your love life dictated by your lack of brothers sounds a bit outrageous.  During the Israelites 40-year voyage, families worried about losing their inherited property to other tribes. Therefore, intermarrying was not allowed for females who were brotherless. 

That was until Tu B’ Av was created on the 15^th day of Av, which also marked a full moon, to give these women permission to break the tradition. Although this Jewish holiday existed long before Valentine’s Day was officially adopted by different countries across the globe, many couples continuously commemorate the holiday by getting married or becoming engaged.

Japan: White Day

Chocolate is practically a Valentine’s Day staple, but in Japan when a woman gives her lover a taste of her homemade recipe on Feb. 14 she expects to be lavishly repaid on White Day, taking place on March 14. 

Thankfully, they have an entire month to reciprocate the gesture with either white or dark chocolate or other romantic presents like jewelry or lingerie.  Since 1978, White Day has become an important Asian holiday for men to shower their ladies with lovely gifts; (unless he offers you a local chocolate called Giri choco, which means it was given completely out of obligation. But still, the thought counts).

Wales: Dydd Santes Dwynwen

There is no better way to show your affection than by taking your sweetheart on a romantic getaway.  That’s where a visit to Wales might just come in handy since it has its own patron saint who wished that God would grant couples their deepest desires. 

According to ancient legends, Princess Dwynwen was the most beautiful of her 23 sisters. One day, she caught the eye of a man by the name of Maelon, but she was unable to marry him due to her impending arranged marriage. So, she asked God to get rid of her memories of Maelon and to turn him into ice. 

Her wishes were granted when an angel visited Dwynwen and gave her a drink.  To show her appreciation, the princess spent her life serving God and established a convent whose remnants can still be viewed today.  However, it is Dwynwen’s well that draws lovers from Wales and beyond on Jan. 25, because if the magical fish that live inside of it are seen vibrantly swimming then they are guaranteed an everlasting love.

Taiwan: Qixi Festival

Festivals are no strangers to the Chinese, which is why it comes as no surprise that they would have their own unique spin on Valentine’s Day.  Also known as the Double Seventh Day because it occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month on the Chinese calendar, it was derived from the folktale about The Weaver Girl and a Cowherd (Zhinu and Niulang).

Soon after meeting and falling madly in love, the couple became married, which fell under the disapproval of Goddess of Heaven who despised the fact that her daughter Zhinu was married to a mortal.  Banishing her back to the skies, Niulang became very distraught and disguised himself as an ox, and with their two children traveled to heaven to find her.  After hearing the two lovers were reunited, the Goddess of Heaven separated them by using her hairpin to form a river in the sky, also known as the Milky Way. To honor their tragic love women make offerings and pray to Zhinu in temples, compete in threading needles competition as well as pray that they may find a  loving husband like Niulang.

Romania: Dragobete

After a brutal winter you too would be happy to celebrate Dragobete, a holiday that not only welcomes spring but allows couples show to lovingly express their feelings.  Although it usually takes place at the end of February, common Valentine’s Day rituals are typically practiced including the exchanging of gifts. 

Yet, this day is not only for lovebirds because singles who want hubbies and have dreams of wedded bliss also get in on the action by noshing on bread baked by the lady of the house and sleeping with basil tucked under their pillows.