The notion of the 14th of February as a “special day” arrived quite late to Finland, compared to the rest of the world: it was listed as a “special” day for the first time in 1987. This is NOT a popular present for Valentine’s day in Finland. Source (CC: by-nc-sa). Ystävänpäivä is the Finnish name for St. Valentine’s day. It Valentine’s Day in Finland, known as Ystävänpäivä (Friend’s Day), takes a unique approach. Unlike many countries where February 14th is primarily about romantic love, Finland embraces a broader celebration. It is a day to cherish all kinds of relationships, with an emphasis on friendships. While many parts of the world celebrate romantic love, Finland interprets the 14th of February differently. Here, Valentine’s Day is known as Ystävänpäivä, or Friend’s Day, and everyone’s included. Friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and, of course, sweethearts all receive cards, flowers and chocolates. If Carrie and Miranda lived in Finland, no one would think it unusual to see a pair of just-friends dining together on Valentine’s Day. In Finnish, Valentine’s Day is called ystävänpäivä (literally “Friend’s Day”) and, like the name says, the idea is to celebrate friendship. Ystävänpäivä in Finland is a public declaration of Instead of celebrating Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, Estonia and Finland celebrate platonic love. Feb. 14 is Friend’s Day, a celebration of platonic love. Known as Ystävän Päivä in Finnish Valentine's Day is coming. This is a special date celebrated in many countries worldwide, regardless of its Christian roots. In the last years, Valentine's Day has acquired an increasingly secular meaning and today is mainly understood as a celebration of love. Finland is also a special place when it comes to celebrating Valentin's Day. Valentine’s day in Finland is not a day dedicated to romance exclusively but celebrates wider friendships. In fact, the Finnish term for Valentine’s day, Ystävänpäivä, translates into “Friend’s Day.” Finns began to celebrate Ystävänpäivä in 1980. Since then, the 14th of February has been marked in calendars as a day to 5 Reasons to Celebrate Valentine’s Day The Finnish Way As January wanes, pretty packages of chocolate, sparkling jewelry, lush flowers, and other gifts fill the shelves with pink and red hues to prepare for Valentine’s Day. But in Finland, Valentine’s day isn’t just for lovers. Ystävänpäivä, or “Friend’s Day” is the Finns’ day to cherish their relationships with friends. We We celebrate Valentine's Day in Finland as 'Friend's Day' which is in Finnish called Ystävänpäivä. Most foreigners find it quite surprising, but also really very sweet with a unique interpretation of not only romantic love but also platonic love. Therefore, family, neighbors, colleagues, and friends are included in the celebration as well. For everyone who cringes at the thought of Valentine’s Day, this is a post that will bring you some relief. Finland does not celebrate Valentine’s Day. Nope, no Cupid shooting arrows at lovelorn ladies and gents here. Instead, the Finns celebrate Ystävänpäivä, which translates into “Friendship Day”. Question: In which U.S. city did the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre occur on February 14, 1929? Answer: Chicago. Question: In what country did the tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards begin? Answer: United Kingdom. Question: Who is believed to be the first saint to be associated with Valentine’s Day? Answer: Saint Valentine of Rome. St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, has gained popularity in the Nordic countries in recent decades, influenced by American and European traditions. However, its history, cultural significance, and level of celebration vary across the region. While Valentine’s Day is not a deeply rooted Nordic tradition, it has been adapted in different ways, blending with [] How many people propose on Valentine’s Day each year? Answer: Around 6 million. What holiday sells more greeting cards than Valentine’s Day? Answer: Christmas. What country celebrates “Friendship Day” instead of Valentine’s Day? Answer: Finland. Which fast-food chain once offered Valentine’s Day dinner reservations? Answer: White In Finland, Valentine’s Day is not considered as a lover’s day. On Valentine’s Day .Finland postal service delivers special cards and stamps on Valentine’s Day. Their terrific campaigns on Friendships Day are widely appreciated and are popular among the Finnish people. Greeting card is also a main attraction of Valentine’s Day in Finland. Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated every February 14; this year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts The Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day Gifts 2025 23 Creative Ways to Countdown to the New Year 10 New Year DIY Crafts to Enjoy with Your Kids Themes for Baby’s First Birthday Party 14 Fascinating Global Christmas Traditions to Explore Test Your Knowledge of Global Christmas Traditions 15 Fun Thanksgiving Games to Entertain the Whole Family Creative Christmas Greetings for Your Friends and Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, and the rest is this history. New strain in Calif. Get the USA TODAY app Start the day smarter ☀️ 🐍Year of the Snake Valentine’s Day in Finland . A traditional Finnish sauna could be the most romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In Finnish Valentine’s Day equal is ‘Ystävänpäivä‘, literally meaning the day of friendship. To get close with someone you love by sharing a unique experience, Finland might just be able to offer that. Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, [1] is celebrated annually on February 14. [2] It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine , and through later folk traditions it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in In this article, we take a look at the various historical and cultural influences that have shaped Valentine’s Day. From the mysterious figure of Saint Valentine and the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia to the medieval traditions of courtly love and the commercialization of the holiday in the modern era, we explore how February 14th became the day to celebrate love.
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