Valentine’s Day in Taiwan
When I asked a local shopkeeper if they carried Valentine’s Day cards, I was surprised by their response: “No, we don’t carry any of them.” I visited several stores and encountered the same answer at each one.
Mentioning this to a colleague, I received an unexpected question: “Do you still celebrate Valentine’s Day at this age?” This revealed an interesting cultural difference. In Taiwan, Valentine’s Day is primarily viewed as a celebration for younger people, whereas in America, it’s a more broadly observed occasion. Children often exchange cards and small gifts with their entire class, and while the holiday does have romantic associations, it’s also considered an opportunity to express appreciation and gratitude to friends and family members.
I decided to maintain this tradition by purchasing cards for my family. Since Valentine’s Day cards weren’t available, I opted for general-purpose cards and personalized each message. My children reciprocated with their own cards, which made the effort worthwhile. With Valentine’s Day falling close to Lunar New Year this year, it’s an ideal time to take a break and spend meaningful time with family.
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy New Year!
