Love Perspectives: How Different Asian Countries Celebrate Love and Relationship
Submitted by Jodie Li
Ah, it’s February again—the month of love, affection, and heartfelt connections! Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or family bonds, this is the perfect time to cherish the relationships that matter most. From bromances and Galentine’s gatherings to parent-child bonds and, of course, couples in love, everyone has their own way of expressing and celebrating these emotions. And just as individuals have their unique traditions, so do cultures around the world. Across Asia, countries like China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Philippines each have their own beautiful and distinct ways of honoring love and connection. So, no matter how you celebrate, let this month let you embrace the love in your life in your own and unique way.
China
- Qixi Festival: The equivalent of Valentine’s Day in China celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (usually August). It is celebrated similarly to how Valentine’s Day is and based on the legend of Niulang (the Cowherd) and Zhinu (the Weaver Girl).
- 520: Celebrated on May 20th because the pronunciation of “five two zero” sounds like “I love you” in Chinese. This is a great day for people to share their love on social media.
Japan
- White Day: Celebrated on March 14th– it is a day to complement Valentine’s Day in Japan. Typically women give gifts in chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day and in return, men give gifts to women on White Day to reciprocate their gesture.
India
- Arranged Marriages: Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in India that has not gone without controversy. However, India holds a high significance of arranged marriages and how love grows over time in the relationship.
South Korea
- Black Day: South Korea celebrates White Day, similarly to Japan, with an additional Black Day celebrated on April 14th. This day is for the singles to eat black noodles to mourn over their single status.
- Pepero Day: Celebrated on November 11th for young couples to give each other Pepero cookies.
Philippines
- Araw ng mga Puso (Day of Hearts): Celebrated like Valentine’s Day on February 14th. The Philippines goes all out to celebrate love with mass weddings and festivals being a major tradition.
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