All across Asia, Valentine’s Day celebrations bring unique turns to each country. From large weddings in the Philippines to women giving men’s chocolates in Japan, Asian countries have put their own spin on Roman holidays.
Japan
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is when a woman gives a man chocolate.
However, not all chocolates are created equally.
The Giri Chocolate, translated into “Courtesy Chocolate,” is given to friends and colleagues, and Honme Chocolate, also known as the true love chocolate, is reserved for romantic benefits.
A month later, on White Day, on March 14th, men often return favors with more fancy gifts.
South Korea
Korea celebrates in a similar way to Japan, but with three days of dedicated days, it takes Valentine’s Day celebration a step further.
On February 14th, women give the man chocolate. On white days, men will return and go with gifts, and on April 14th, a black day will occur for people still single.
Black Day is a place where people lament their singleness by eating Black Bean Noodles, known as Jjajangmyeon, with friends.
China
Many Chinese couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts and flowers, but the country’s traditional Qixi festival, held on the seventh day of the month, often viewed as a true “Valentine’s Day in China.” It will be done.
Inspired by the romantic legend of cowherds and the annual weaver girl meeting, Qixi is when the birds of love express their devotion.
Some couples pray at the temple, but women show their needle skills as a tribute to eternal romance.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the traditional Valentine’s Day celebration will be held on February 14th, but with the theme of love, there will be the Chap Goh Meh Festival, which will be held on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year.
On this day, the single woman throws the mandarin into the river, hoping to find true love.
Tradition is believed to help women attract good husbands, as women often write names and wishes on fruits before throwing them into the water.
The men then gather floating fruits to symbolize potential match.
The same practice will be held in Singapore.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, due to cultural and religious considerations, some regions have discouraged public Valentine’s Day celebrations and have the holidays become the subject of ongoing debate.
Nevertheless, on another date later in the year, one unique celebration will be held in Bali, where the annual OMED-OMEDAN, or “Barikis Festival.”
The event will include unmarried villagers between the ages of 17 and 30 engage in rituals to embrace and kiss the playful but iconic masses.
Philippines
There is no Valentine’s Day, just like the Philippines where large weddings are the main tradition.
Every February 14th, hundreds of couples tie the knot at public ceremonies, often sponsored by local governments to help those who cannot afford a wedding.
India
In recent years, the popularity of “Valentine Week” has skyrocketed in India, with young people buying a record number of flowers and other romantic gifts.
Starting February 7th, every day will be marked by iconic gestures that end with Rose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, Kiss Day and Valentine’s Day on the 14th.
Google is searching for Valentine’s Week globally. This week we are focusing on India.
Despite their enthusiasm, some conservative groups oppose the holidays and view it as unnecessary Western influence.
Thailand
Though Thailand embraces the Western tradition of chocolate and roses, the real Valentine’s Day hotspot is Bangkok’s Ban Lak district, translated into “Love District.”
Every year, hundreds of couples flock to there to marry and register their marriage, believing that it will bring lifelong happiness to them.
Some couples take it to another level by getting married underwater in Trang.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, Valentine’s Day is particularly popular among young couples exchanging chocolates, flowers and heartfelt gifts.
Like Japan and Korea, some regions celebrate White Day with gifts given by men a month later.
Posted 12h Ago Aly 12 hours suffered at 3:37am on February 12, 2025. update The 9 hours ago was 9 hours ago at 7:11am on February 12, 2025
