Is there Chinese or Japanese Valentine’s Day?

One special day many are waiting for and probably many more are stressed about this month is February 14th . . . Valentine’s Day.

The Japanese have a custom for this day different from what we practice in the U.S.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is typically observed by girls and women presenting chocolate gifts, usually to boys or men, as an expression of love, courtesy, or social obligation. And on White Day, March 14, one month after Valentine’s Day, the reverse happens; men are expected to return the favor by giving gifts to girls.

The Chinese have an older observance related to lovers; it’s called “The Night of Sevens” (七夕),  aka “Chinese Valentine’s Day.” and occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

That day will be on August 25 this year.

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