The origins of Saint Valentine and Valentine's Day are a bit murky, but we know it started in the ancient Roman days. Since then, cultures all over the world have adopted the holiday and interpreted their own customs.
Learn how people all over have united in their love, or disdain, of the romance holiday.
1. Italy
Romantic Italians celebrate all over the country, but Verona is one of the top places to visit. It's the home of famed lovers, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Events in the city include decorated shop windows and love themed tours, or couples can help answer letters as part of Juliet's Club . The famed fictional character receives thousands of letters for help in the romance department. Many visitors celebrate with candlelit dinners and wine.
2. Japan
China, South Korea and Taiwan participate in a similar, yet brilliant marketing campaign-turned-holiday. On Valentine's Day, women present chocolate to men, and a month later on March 14 they celebrate "White Day," when men are supposed to give chocolates and gifts to women. The holiday is also called "reply day."
3. Korea
In addition to the two love-themed days mentioned, Korea has a third day known as "Black Day," celebrated on April 14. On this day, many singles who didn't receive gifts on either day meet to eat jjajangmyun, noodles covered in black paste. The bachelors and bachelorettes don all black and the noodles often leave a black stain on their teeth to match.
4. Guatemala
Guatemala celebrates all kinds of love, not just romantic, on El Día del Cariño or "The Day of Affection,” on Feb. 14. Cards, chocolate and gifts are given to family and friends and even coworkers, not just romantic partners. The capitol celebrates with bright colors, food and a parade.
5. Iraq
According to TIME, Iraqi Kurds have Valentine's Day customs that focus on the celebration of love. They decorate apples with cloves to preserve them, representing the story of Adam and Eve. With laws becoming more and more relaxed regarding people showing affection, more couples are adopting the holiday to show their love for one another.
6. Ghana
Feb. 14 is known as Chocolate Day in Ghana, in celebration of one of the country's largest exports. Restaurants, hotels and public places have chocolate to share.