Valentine's Day Across the United Kingdom
Valentine's Day on February 14th is celebrated throughout the United Kingdom, though each nation brings its own cultural flavour and traditions to this romantic occasion.
England
England embraces Valentine's Day with enthusiasm, particularly in its commercial aspects. The day typically involves exchanging cards, flowers (especially red roses), and chocolates between romantic partners. Many couples book restaurant reservations weeks in advance, as dining out is a popular way to celebrate. In recent years, "Galentine's Day" celebrations among female friends have also gained popularity, often held on February 13th.
The city of Norwich has a particular connection to Valentine's Day, as the relics of St. Valentine are kept at the Church of St. Mary and St. Margaret of Antioch in Whitefriars. Some couples make pilgrimages there to seek blessings for their relationships.
Scotland
Scots celebrate Valentine's Day much like their English neighbors, though historically Scotland had its own tradition called "St Bride's Day" on February 1st. In some regions, particularly in the past, Valentine's Day was marked by traditions like choosing a valentine by lottery or drawing names.
Scotland also historically celebrated a "Valentine's Eve" festival where equal numbers of single men and women would write their names on pieces of paper, draw them from separate containers, and pair off for the evening or even the year ahead.
Wales
While Wales celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14th, the Welsh have their own patron saint of lovers: St. Dwynwen, whose feast day falls on January 25th. This uniquely Welsh celebration has grown in popularity and is sometimes called "the Welsh Valentine's Day." St. Dwynwen was a 5th-century Welsh princess who became the patron saint of lovers after her own tragic love story.
On St. Dwynwen's Day, the Welsh traditionally exchange cards, flowers, and the iconic Welsh love spoons—intricately carved wooden spoons that have symbolized Welsh courtship since the 17th century. However, many Welsh people celebrate both dates, giving them two opportunities for romance each year.
Northern Ireland
Valentine's Day celebrations in Northern Ireland closely mirror those in England and Scotland, with couples exchanging gifts, cards, and enjoying romantic dinners. The occasion is widely commercialized, with shops and restaurants offering special Valentine's promotions.
Belfast and other Northern Irish cities see restaurants fully booked and flower shops bustling with activity in the days leading up to February 14th.
Common UK-wide Traditions
Across all four nations, certain Valentine's Day practices are universal. Anonymous cards were once more common, keeping the sender's identity secret and adding mystery to the occasion. Today, most cards are signed. School children often exchange small Valentine's cards with classmates, while adults might receive cards at work or home.
The day has become increasingly commercialized throughout the UK, with retailers promoting Valentine's gift ideas for weeks beforehand. Anti-Valentine's sentiments have also emerged, with some people celebrating "Singles Awareness Day" as an alternative, though this remains a minority response to the holiday's romantic focus.
