Valentine’s Day has been embraced across Asia with unique local twists, blending Western traditions with indigenous customs. Here’s how different Asian countries celebrate this romantic occasion.

Japan

Japan has one of the most distinctive Valentine’s Day traditions in the world. On February 14th, women give chocolate to men—not the other way around. There are two types: giri-choco (obligation chocolate) given to colleagues and friends, and honmei-choco (true feeling chocolate) for romantic interests. Many women make these chocolates by hand to show extra care.

The twist comes on March 14th, known as White Day, when men reciprocate by giving gifts to the women who gave them chocolate. These gifts are typically white chocolate, marshmallows, or jewelry, and are expected to be two or three times more valuable than what they received.

Flowers aren’t traditionally central to Japanese Valentine’s Day, though red roses are becoming more common due to Western influence.

South Korea

South Korea follows Japan’s model with February 14th for women giving chocolate to men and White Day on March 14th for men to return the gesture. However, Korea adds even more days to the romantic calendar. On April 14th, singles celebrate Black Day by eating jajangmyeon (black bean paste noodles) together, commiserating over their single status.

Roses are popular in South Korea, with florists doing brisk business on Valentine’s Day. Korean couples also enjoy visiting themed cafes and restaurants that offer special Valentine’s promotions.

China

In China, Valentine’s Day (February 14th) competes with the traditional Qixi Festival, also called Chinese Valentine’s Day, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (usually August). Both celebrations are popular among younger, urban Chinese.

On Valentine’s Day, red roses are extremely popular—the number matters significantly. A single rose means “you are my only one,” 11 roses mean “I love you with all my heart,” and 99 or 999 roses represent eternal love. The demand for roses is so high that prices skyrocket in the days leading up to February 14th.

Couples exchange gifts, enjoy romantic dinners, and visit scenic spots. Shopping malls and restaurants offer elaborate Valentine’s promotions.

Taiwan

Taiwan celebrates Valentine’s Day similarly to mainland China, with roses being the gift of choice. The number of roses carries specific meanings, and men often compete to give the most impressive bouquets.

Taiwan also observes Qixi Festival and adds another Valentine’s celebration on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, known as Yuanxiao Festival or Lantern Festival, which has historical romantic significance as a time when young men and women could meet.

India

Valentine’s Day in India has grown increasingly popular despite some cultural resistance. The entire week leading up to February 14th is celebrated as Valentine’s Week, with each day having a theme: Rose Day (February 7th), Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, Kiss Day, and finally Valentine’s Day.

Red roses dominate Rose Day and Valentine’s Day itself. Young couples exchange gifts, cards, and flowers, and enjoy dates at restaurants and movie theaters. However, traditional and conservative groups sometimes protest these celebrations as being un-Indian.

Philippines

The Philippines embraces Valentine’s Day enthusiastically. Mass wedding ceremonies are common on February 14th, with local governments and malls sponsoring free wedding services for couples who want to marry on this auspicious day.

Red roses, chocolates, and stuffed animals are popular gifts. Couples enjoy romantic dinners, and flower shops experience their busiest season. The country’s strong Catholic tradition adds a religious dimension, with some couples attending church services together.

Thailand

In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated by young couples. Red roses are the most popular flower, often accompanied by chocolates and teddy bears. Couples visit romantic restaurants, rooftop bars, and scenic locations.

Interestingly, Thai couples also celebrate with public displays of affection that might be less common on regular days in this relatively conservative society.

Singapore

Singapore’s multicultural population celebrates Valentine’s Day with Western-style traditions. Red roses, chocolates, and jewelry are common gifts. The city-state’s restaurants and hotels offer special Valentine’s packages, and Gardens by the Bay and other attractions create romantic lighting displays.

Singapore also observes traditional festivals from its Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, creating multiple opportunities for romantic celebration throughout the year.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, particularly in urban areas like Jakarta and Bali, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by young couples with flower exchanges, romantic dinners, and gift-giving. However, in more conservative regions, there has been pushback from religious authorities who view the holiday as promoting promiscuity.

Red roses remain popular among those who do celebrate, along with chocolates and cards expressing affection.

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Across Asia, while the specifics vary by country and culture, several common threads emerge: the dominance of red roses as the flower of choice, the importance of chocolate as a gift, and the adaptation of Western Valentine’s traditions to fit local customs and values. The holiday continues to evolve, creating unique hybrid celebrations that honor both global romance culture and regional traditions.