A Guide to Valentine's Day Traditions in China
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, has gained increasing popularity in China over the past few decades, especially among younger generations. While it is not a traditional Chinese holiday, the influence of Western culture, along with the commercial appeal of the holiday, has made it an important occasion for expressing love and affection. However, Chinese Valentine's Day, known as Qixi Festival (七夕节), is a much older and deeply rooted tradition that falls on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar. This Hong Kong Florist guide will explore both the modern Valentine's Day and the traditional Qixi Festival in China, offering insights into the evolving ways love and romance are celebrated in Chinese culture.
1. Valentine's Day in China (February 14)
Gift-Giving
Flowers: The most popular Valentine’s Day gift in China is flowers, particularly roses, which symbolize love and passion. Red roses are most commonly given to express deep love, while other colors, such as pink or white, may represent affection or friendship.
Chocolate: Like in many other countries, chocolate is a widely exchanged gift on Valentine's Day. Chocolate shops, both local and international, see a surge in customers purchasing boxes of chocolate, often decorated with heart-shaped motifs and personalized messages.
Teddy Bears and Plush Toys: Soft toys, especially teddy bears, are common Valentine's Day gifts. They often symbolize warmth, tenderness, and affection.
Romantic Dates and Dinners
Fancy Dinners: Many couples celebrate by going out for a romantic dinner at upscale restaurants, often with a special Valentine's Day menu featuring heart-shaped dishes or themed offerings.
Movies: Watching a romantic movie, whether at a cinema or at home, is another popular way for couples to enjoy the day together. Many movie theaters will screen romantic films in honor of the occasion.
Online Celebrations: With the growing influence of social media and e-commerce platforms, many couples in China also celebrate Valentine's Day virtually by sending virtual gifts, digital love notes, or personalized messages via apps like WeChat or QQ.
Shopping and Discounts
Valentine's Day has become a major shopping event in China, akin to Singles' Day or Double 11. Retailers and online platforms like Taobao and JD.com offer special promotions, discounts, and exclusive products around this time, making it a great opportunity for couples to buy gifts for one another.
2. Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)
The Qixi Festival (七夕节), often referred to as the "Chinese Valentine's Day," is a traditional festival celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month in the Chinese lunar calendar (which usually falls in August). The festival is rooted in the legend of Niulang and Zhinü, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, whose love story is a symbol of devotion, separation, and reunion.
The Legend of Niulang and Zhinü
The legend tells the story of a young man, Niulang, and a fairy, Zhinü, who fall in love but are separated by the Jade Emperor due to their forbidden romance. Zhinü is sent to weave the clouds in the heavens, while Niulang is left on Earth. The couple is allowed to meet only once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month, when a bridge of magpies forms across the Milky Way. The Qixi Festival celebrates this reunion.
Traditional Customs
Weaving and Needlework: In ancient times, young women would demonstrate their embroidery and needlework skills during the Qixi Festival, as it was believed that the goddess Zhinü was skilled in weaving. This practice was seen as an opportunity to show off one's domestic abilities and attract potential suitors.
Making Wishes: In some regions, people would make wishes for love and marriage by tying colorful threads on trees or throwing needle and thread into the air, hoping that Zhinü would bless their wishes.
Offering Fruits: On Qixi, couples or young women would offer fruits, especially melon, to Zhinü. It is believed that the goddess would bless them with beauty, happiness, and a successful love life.
Celebrations and Activities
Romantic Dates: Much like Western Valentine's Day, Qixi is a day for couples to spend time together. Romantic dinners, gifts, and gestures of affection are common.
Outdoor Events: In modern China, the Qixi Festival is often celebrated with outdoor events, festivals, and public performances. These events may include everything from romantic boat rides to storytelling performances of the Niulang and Zhinü legend.
Qixi Themed Events: Many cities host special Qixi-themed activities, such as flower markets, concerts, or exhibitions. Shopping malls, restaurants, and amusement parks often organize special promotions and themed events for couples.
Gift-Giving on Qixi
Personalized Gifts: On Qixi, gifts are often more personalized than on Western Valentine's Day. Traditional gifts include gold jewelry, silk, and handcrafted items. Couples may exchange tokens of affection, such as love letters or engraved gifts, to commemorate their love.
Flowers and Chocolates: While roses are the go-to flower on Valentine's Day, on Qixi, many couples exchange lotus flowers, which represent purity and eternal love, or sunflowers, symbolizing loyalty and adoration.
3. Modern Celebrations and the Influence of Technology
In recent years, Chinese Valentine's Day has been influenced by technological advances and the growth of social media. Some modern trends include:
WeChat Love Notes: Couples may send each other heartfelt messages and virtual gifts via WeChat, which is the dominant messaging platform in China. Some people even create special WeChat stickers or GIFs to celebrate the day.
E-commerce and Online Gifting: With online shopping becoming a central part of Chinese life, people frequently purchase and send Valentine's Day gifts online through platforms like Taobao, Tmall, and JD.com. This includes everything from roses and chocolates to more unique or personalized items like engraved jewelry or customized art.
Love Messages in the Sky: In some cities, light shows or advertisements in the sky are arranged to celebrate the day, with messages of love and affection being displayed for all to see.
4. Valentine's Day for Singles
Though Valentine's Day is often seen as a time for couples, it is also an important occasion for singles in China, particularly with the rise of Singles' Day (11.11), which started as a celebration for those without a partner. On Valentine's Day, some singles celebrate by:
Treating Themselves: Many singles take the opportunity to indulge in self-care, buying themselves gifts, going to spas, or enjoying a solo romantic dinner.
Celebrating with Friends: Some groups of friends celebrate Valentine's Day together as a way to share in the love and joy of the occasion without romantic partners.
Valentine's Day in China is a blend of both modern and traditional customs. While the Western-style celebration with gifts, flowers, and romantic dinners has become increasingly popular, the Qixi Festival remains a deeply cultural and romantic occasion, steeped in legend and history. Whether you're celebrating love with a partner, honoring ancient traditions, or simply enjoying the festivities, China's approach to Valentine's Day offers something special for everyone, blending romance with rich cultural practices.
