Not Everyone Dates like Americans
Dating is different in every country. Some countries still adhere to their traditions, whereas others are modernizing as they go. The last thing you want to do if you're going on a date in a foreign country is make an embarrassing faux pas. To help you out, here are 20 unique dating customs practiced around the globe.
1. Chuseok Courtship, South Korea
During South Korea's harvest festival, Chuseok, young singles are on the lookout for a potential dating partner. The family makes an effort to introduce young singles, and while South Korea has relatively modern dating practices, this tradition has endured.
2. Throwing Apples, Greece
This dating custom comes from Ancient Greece, and it involves tossing an apple to someone as a declaration of love. This gesture is meant as a proposal of sorts, so be careful not to toss an apple to someone in Athens just because they looked hungry.
3. Love Spoons, Wales
An older dating custom in Wales has a person carve intricate wooden love spoons to give to a romantic interest. Each element of these heartfelt items is symbolic of love, security, or a life together. Love spoons aren't part of the Wales dating scene so much anymore, but they are still used in weddings and anniversaries.
4. Matchmaking Festivals, Ireland
Every September, Lisdoonvarna, Ireland, holds Europe's largest matchmaking festival. The custom started as a way to help farmers meet wives, but now it's more of a meat market. This custom is still firmly ingrained in Ireland's dating culture.
5. Wooden Pillow Gifts, Papua New Guinea
Kwaio men may show their interest in a woman with the gift of a finely carved wooden pillow. This carved wooden pillow is practical as its purpose is to keep hairstyles intact while sleeping. It represents a desire to begin a life together.
6. Gifting Oranges, China
In the Cantonese tradition, you gift an orange to someone you intend to court. The orange symbolizes prosperity and luck in a relationship. If you perform this custom during a festive occasion, like the Lunar New Year, it is considered to be more forward and conveys greater affection.
7. Rainy Season Serenades, Philippines
In the Ifugao region, young men might sing a love song outside the homes of the women they are pursuing. This was often done during the rainy season as work was slow. The serenades would often involve a simple instrument, and if the woman responded with song, then it was game on.
8. Valentine's Day and White Day, Japan
Japan has a unique dating custom built around Valentine's Day. On Valentine's Day, women give chocolates to men whom they are romantically interested in. One month later, on White Day, men reciprocate the gesture with gifts of higher value.
9. Coffee Date Culture, Sweden
In Sweden, a coffee date is about more than just coffee. It's common for new couples to meet for coffee rather than dinner or a movie. The goal is to get to know each other through conversation and to connect in a low-pressure environment.
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10. Double Dating, U.S.A
You're probably more familiar with this custom than others, but double dating is integral to the American dating scene. It alleviates first-date pressure and can lead to some fun conversations and activities.
11. Day of Love and Friendship, Mexico
On February 14th, Mexicans celebrate the Day of Love and Friendship. Couples and friends exchange gifts, and some may plan elaborate dates. This holiday is romantic but also focuses on broadening social connections.
12. Group Blind Dates, South Korea
Younger South Koreans enjoy the custom of going on group blind dates, which are often arranged by mutual friends. The dates often involve games and conversation.
13. Group Hiking Dates, Germany
Young adults in urban areas in Germany use hiking as a way to meet potential romantic partners. A hike can combine exercise with socializing, and can be relaxing as long as you don't get lost in the woods.
14. Proposal Picnics, Australia
Picnics are romantic by nature, but in Australia, elaborate picnics are part of their dating culture. These picnics can feature gourmet snacks and champagne, and sometimes a question can be popped right after the champagne.
15. Lantern Festival Matchmaking, Taiwan
During the Lantern Festival in Taiwan, singles can write their love wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the sky. This event isn't exclusive to singles, but people looking for a romantic partner tend to gravitate to it every year.
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16. Meet the Parents, India
In parts of India, the custom of meeting the parents happens far earlier than it does in North America. Family approval is a big part of India's dating culture, and an early introduction to the folks implies a more serious relationship.
17. Karaoke Dates, China
In China, hitting up a karaoke bar is a popular date option. Renting a private room and even inviting another couple is a common choice for a first date. As we all know, karaoke is a great icebreaker.
Vitalii Khodzinskyi on Unsplash
18. Cycling Dates, Netherlands
Netherlands' passionate cycling culture extends to going on a bike ride as a date. It could be a fun ride through the city or cycling to a spot for a picnic.
19. Matchmaking Lunches, Singapore
Singapore is a fast-paced business and commerce mecca, leaving singles without a lot of time to find love. Matchmaking services that set up short lunch dates are part of the local dating cultiure.
20. Winter Sauna Dates, Finland
The dating scene in Finland sees couples spending time together in saunas. Being in a bathing suit on a date might feel like a nightmare for some, but it's quite popular even for first dates.
