Valentine's Day in Mongolia

Valentine's Day is relatively new to Mongolia, having been introduced after the country's transition to democracy in the early 1990s. The influence of Western culture and globalization has led to the adoption of this holiday among younger generations, particularly in urban areas such as Ulaanbaatar.

History and Traditions:

• Valentine's Day does not have historical roots in Mongolia and lacks the traditional customs associated with Mongolian culture.
• It was popularized by Western media and is often viewed as a commercial holiday centered around romance.

Celebrations:

On February 14th, Mongolians who observe Valentine's Day typically engage in similar activities to those in Western countries:

• Gift-giving: Couples exchange gifts such as flowers (especially red roses), chocolates, and other romantic tokens.
• Romantic outings: Many couples go out for dinner at restaurants or watch romantic movies at cinemas.
• Cards: Love-themed cards are shared between partners with heartfelt messages.

The celebration of Valentine's Day mainly appeals to young people who are more exposed to global cultural trends. Traditionalists might not partake in Valentine’s Day festivities, sticking instead to native customs and holidays.