Walentynki: How Poland Celebrates Valentine's Day with Tradition & Romance
While Valentine's Day has become a global celebration of love, Poland brings its own unique cultural flavor to this romantic holiday. Known as Walentynki in Polish, February 14th blends Western traditions with distinctly Polish customs, creating a celebration that honors both romance and heritage.
Whether you're Polish, have Polish heritage, or simply appreciate cultural traditions, understanding how Poland celebrates love can deepen your appreciation for this special day.
The History of Walentynki in Poland
Valentine's Day wasn't always celebrated in Poland. During the communist era (1945-1989), Western holidays were discouraged, and romantic celebrations were kept private. It wasn't until the 1990s, after Poland regained independence, that Walentynki became widely celebrated.
Today, Walentynki has evolved into a beloved holiday that combines international Valentine's traditions with Polish sensibilities—less commercial, more heartfelt, and deeply rooted in the importance of personal connection.
Polish Valentine's Day Traditions
Flowers with Meaning
In Poland, flowers are the quintessential Valentine's gift, but there's an important rule: always give an odd number of stems. Even numbers are reserved for funerals and somber occasions. Red roses remain the classic choice, but tulips, carnations, and mixed bouquets are equally popular.
The presentation matters too—Poles often hand-deliver flowers rather than having them sent, making the gesture more personal and meaningful.
Handwritten Cards and Poetry
Poles have a deep appreciation for the written word, and Valentine's Day is no exception. Handwritten cards featuring romantic poetry—often verses from beloved Polish poets like Adam Mickiewicz or Wisława Szymborska—are treasured gifts.
Many couples exchange cards with personal messages rather than store-bought sentiments, emphasizing authenticity over convenience.
Intimate Celebrations Over Grand Gestures
Unlike the elaborate public proposals and extravagant displays common in some cultures, Polish Valentine's celebrations tend to be more intimate. Couples prefer quiet dinners at home or cozy restaurant meals, long walks through historic city centers, or simple evenings spent together.
The focus is on quality time and genuine connection rather than expensive gifts or showy displays.
Chocolate and Sweets
Polish chocolate is world-renowned, and Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to indulge. Brands like Wedel (Poland's oldest chocolate company, founded in 1851) and E. Wedel's iconic Ptasie Mleczko (marshmallow-filled chocolates) are popular gifts.
Heart-shaped boxes of czekoladki (chocolates) and traditional Polish sweets like pierniki (gingerbread) add a cultural touch to the celebration.
Polish Symbols of Love
The Heart Motif in Polish Folk Art
Hearts appear frequently in traditional Polish folk art, particularly in wycinanki (paper cutting) and embroidery. These intricate designs often feature symmetrical hearts surrounded by flowers, birds, and geometric patterns—symbols of love, fertility, and happiness.
Incorporating these traditional motifs into Valentine's gifts connects modern romance with centuries-old artistic traditions.
Love Locks and Romantic Landmarks
In cities like Kraków and Wrocław, couples attach padlocks to bridges as symbols of eternal love—a tradition borrowed from other European countries but embraced enthusiastically in Poland. The Tumski Bridge in Wrocław is particularly famous for its thousands of colorful love locks.
How to Celebrate Walentynki with Polish Heritage
Whether you're celebrating with a partner, family, or friends, here are ways to honor Polish traditions this Valentine's Day:
- Give an odd number of flowers and present them in person with a heartfelt message
- Write a handwritten card featuring a favorite poem or personal sentiment in Polish (or English)
- Share Polish chocolate or sweets like Wedel chocolates or homemade pierniki
- Display folk art with heart motifs—wycinanki, embroidered textiles, or handcrafted ornaments
- Cook a traditional Polish meal together—pierogi, bigos, or a romantic dinner featuring Polish ingredients
- Learn a Polish love phrase like "Kocham Cię" (I love you) or "Jesteś moją drugą połową" (You are my other half)
Polish Love Phrases to Know
Add a cultural touch to your Valentine's celebration with these romantic Polish expressions:
- Kocham Cię (KO-ham cheh) – I love you
- Moja miłość (MO-ya MEE-woshch) – My love
- Jesteś moim skarbem (YES-tesh MO-eem SKAR-bem) – You are my treasure
- Całuję Cię (tsa-WOO-yeh cheh) – I kiss you
- Na zawsze Twój/Twoja (na ZAV-sheh tvoy/TVO-ya) – Forever yours
Celebrating Love the Polish Way
What makes Walentynki special isn't extravagance—it's intention. Polish Valentine's traditions remind us that the most meaningful expressions of love are personal, thoughtful, and rooted in cultural identity.
This February 14th, whether you're celebrating Polish heritage or simply appreciate authentic traditions, consider embracing the Polish approach: intimate gestures, handwritten words, and gifts that carry cultural meaning.
Explore our Valentine's Day collection featuring Polish and Eastern European heritage gifts that honor tradition and celebrate love.