Scandinavian Celebrations of Love and Friendship

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and while some may opt for the traditional chocolates and roses, why not take a cue from our Scandinavian friends for a unique and cozy celebration? Let's dive into the world of Scandinavian Valentine's Day traditions!

Denmark

Knock-knock, I love you.

One quirky Danish Valentine's Day custom is the tradition of sending "joke letters" to friends and family. These letters are filled with humorous poems and jokes, adding a touch of laughter to the day of love. So if you're in Denmark on Valentine's Day, don't be surprised if you receive a funny letter from a loved one!

Iceland

Book Club

In Iceland, Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love, but also about celebrating friendship. That's why on this special day, Icelanders exchange books as gifts. This tradition is known as "Bóndadagur" or "Book Day," and it's the perfect opportunity to cozy up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. A good book is all you need to win someone's heart in Iceland.

Get Your Bake On

Another sweet tradition in Iceland is baking heart-shaped cookies and cakes to share with loved ones. These delicious treats are often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, adding a touch of sweetness to the day. So, if you want to impress your Icelandic crush, why not whip up a batch of homemade heart-shaped goodies? Who knows, they might just fall head over heels for your baking skills.

Finland

Friends

Instead of focusing solely on romantic love, the Finns have turned Valentine's Day into a day to cherish all types of relationships. It's a day to show appreciation for your friends, family, and even colleagues. (Who needs a significant other when you have awesome friends, right?)  It's a day to spread love and kindness to everyone in your life, not just your romantic partner. 

Sweden

In Sweden, Valentine's Day is known as "Alla hjärtans dag," which translates to "All Hearts Day." It's a day to celebrate love in all its forms, whether it's romantic love, friendship, or even love for your pets.

Love Locks and ice skating

In Sweden, it's also a tradition for couples to attach a padlock to a bridge or fence as a symbol of their love. This romantic gesture is similar to the love lock bridges in Paris, but with a Swedish twist. After locking their love in place, many couples enjoy a romantic ice skating date on one of Sweden's frozen lakes. Just be sure to hold hands to avoid any accidental falls...(we won't judge).

Norway
Cozy Hygge Vibes

Norwegians are known for their love of "hygge" or "koselig" which is all about creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. On Valentine's Day you can expect candlelit dinners, snuggling under blankets, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life with your significant other. 

Chocolate... and Cheese?

While chocolates are a staple on Valentine's Day, Norwegians like to add a cheesy twist to their celebrations. Literally. In Norway, it's common to gift your loved one a heart-shaped cheese! Say "I love you" with a wheel of cheese?