Candy hearts, roses and so, so, so much red and pink. What is there not to love about Valentine’s Day? Well, apparently a lot. The protests I constantly hear from friends and family include, but are not limited to, the inability to get a restaurant reservation, the constant shortage of chocolate and worst of all: the PDA. Do not get them started on the PDA.
I think the cynic in me tends to agree that Valentine’s Day is a corporate American holiday designed so Hallmark can sell their cheesy greeting cards and overcharge for bouquets at Target. But the sentimental side of me remembers fond memories of passing out Valentine’s treats to all of my elementary school classmates or having a Galentine’s Day party with my friends, acknowledging how much we appreciate each other. Yes, it is a holiday for couples, but it’s for family and friends too – a concept Asian culture reflects much more than the American counterpart.
Love, from Japan
Just like in the States, chocolate plays an instrumental role in Valentine’s Day in Japan. But there’s a twist: Rather than both partners giving each other a box of chocolates, only women send heart-shaped packages to their male partners and colleagues. The practice is known as giri-choco, which refers to chocolates given out of obligation or as a gesture of friendship, and honmei-choco, which is given to romantic partners. While the exchange of chocolates is the focal point of the celebration, the holiday also represents an opportunity for women to express their affection. Meanwhile, men reciprocate their feelings on White Day, celebrated a month later on March 14. On this day, men gift items like jewelry and flowers to women in return. While the holiday seems more so about others, it gradually shifted to “chocolates for friends (tomo-choco), as well as chocolate for yourself (jibun-choco) to practice self-love.”
Sincerely Yours, Philippines
When looking at the Philippines, the holiday is heavily influenced by Catholic beliefs; as a result, Valentine’s Day is not only a romantic event but a religious one as well. If you ever find yourself on vacation in Manila or Boracay, along with the fabulous beaches, you’ll find mass weddings as well. Couples exchanging vows on Valentine’s Day is a popular tradition, reflecting the Philippines’ emphasis on romantic love, the importance of marriage and community.
Be mine, Thailand
In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is celebrated similarly to the West with an emphasis on gifting flowers and spending quality time with loved ones. However, like the Philippines, the country puts a religious spin on the holiday as young couples are encouraged to visit temples and make donations as a form of merit-making. As a result, Valentine’s Day serves as a bridge between romantic love and spiritual, moral goodness.
While we have heard endless stories of how Americans adopted and appropriated aspects of Asian cultures (to both positive and negative reception), perhaps these countries demonstrate an instance where we see the reverse. Japan, the Philippines and Thailand are just examples of how many Asian countries are beginning to adopt Western cultures while still successfully putting their own spin on it.
So, even if you are single, don’t spend Valentine’s Day broken-hearted. Rather, adapt it to your own version of what love means to you – whether it’s with the people you care about or showing yourself a little self-love. Love does not have to be represented by getting a Hallmark greeting card.
Visual Credit: Sophie Vansomphone, Staff Writer
