Unique and fascinating Valentine’s Day traditions across Asia

Valentine’s Day may have originated in the West, but across Asia, countries have infused the celebration with their own cultural twists. From mass weddings in the Philippines to symbolic chocolate exchanges in Japan, here’s how different nations mark the day of love.

The Philippines: A Nation of Mass Weddings

No country celebrates Valentine’s Day quite like the Philippines, where mass weddings have become a major tradition. Every February 14, local governments sponsor public ceremonies, enabling hundreds of couples to tie the knot without the financial burden of a grand wedding.

Japan: A Sweet Exchange

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about women giving chocolates to men—but not all chocolates are the same.

• Giri-choco (義理チョコ), or “courtesy chocolates,” are given to friends and colleagues as a token of appreciation.
• Honmei-choco (本命チョコ), meaning “true love chocolates,” are reserved for romantic interests. One month later, on White Day (March 14), men return the favor, often with grander gifts.

South Korea: Three Times the Celebration

South Korea takes things a step further with three designated days:

• February 14 – Women give chocolates to men.
• March 14 (White Day) – Men reciprocate with gifts.
• April 14 (Black Day) – Singles gather to eat jjajangmyeon (지지앙면), or black bean noodles, as a lighthearted way to acknowledge their single status.

China: The Traditional Qixi Festival

While many couples in China celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts and flowers, the Qixi Festival, held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, is often considered the country’s true “Chinese Valentine’s Day.” Inspired by the legendary tale of a cowherd and a weaver girl who reunite once a year, Qixi is a time for couples to express their devotion. Some visit temples to pray for love, while others showcase embroidery as a tribute to enduring romance.

Malaysia & Singapore: Love and Floating Mandarins

Beyond traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations, Malaysia and Singapore observe the Chap Goh Meh Festival on the 15th day of Lunar New Year. Single women write their names and wishes on mandarins before tossing them into rivers, hoping to attract a good husband. Men then retrieve the floating fruits, symbolizing a potential romantic match.

Indonesia: Love Meets Tradition

In some regions of Indonesia, public Valentine’s Day celebrations are discouraged due to cultural and religious beliefs. However, Bali hosts the annual Omed-Omedan, or “Bali Kissing Festival,” where unmarried villagers aged 17 to 30 take part in a playful mass hugging and kissing ritual.

India: The Rise of Valentine’s Week

In India, Valentine’s Week has surged in popularity, with young people marking each day with symbolic gestures:

• February 7 – Rose Day
• February 8 – Propose Day
• February 9 – Chocolate Day
• February 10 – Teddy Day
• February 11 – Promise Day
• February 12 – Hug Day
• February 13 – Kiss Day
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day Despite growing enthusiasm, some conservative groups oppose the celebration, seeing it as a Western influence.

Thailand: Love is in the Air (and Underwater)

Bangkok’s Bang Rak district (which translates to “Love District”) becomes a hotspot for couples registering their marriages on Valentine’s Day, believing it brings lifelong happiness. In Trang Province, some take their love to the next level by exchanging vows underwater in a unique wedding ceremony.

Vietnam: Double the Romance

Valentine’s Day in Vietnam is particularly popular among young couples who exchange chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt gifts. Similar to Japan and South Korea, some regions also celebrate White Day on March 14, where men present gifts to women in return.

A Tapestry of Love

While Valentine’s Day remains a global celebration of love, Asia’s diverse traditions showcase the rich cultural expressions of romance. Whether it’s sharing chocolates, tossing mandarins, or taking part in mass weddings, love knows no borders.