Different strokes for different folks — that’s how we’d compare Valentine’s Day celebrations in Asian countries and Canada.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on two different dates . . . Feb 14 and March 14. On the first date, the woman gives a gift to the man and on the second date known as White Day, the man has to return the same gift he received on Feb 14.

And so, strictly speaking, a Japanese woman has the luxury of actually choosing her own gift. Chocolate is the most popular gift in Japan. However, since most Japanese women believe that store-bought chocolate is not a gift of true love, they tend to craft the confection with their own hands.

Very similar to the custom in Japan, Valentine’s Day celebrations in Korea have the same March 14 White Day, but for those young people who have no particular romantic partner, the Koreans have set aside yet another date . . . April 14, also known as “Black Day.” On that auspicious occasion, love-minded individuals get together and eat Jajang noodles, which are black in color, hence the name of the day.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Taiwan on Feb 14, but there is also a special Valentine’s Day on July 7 linked to the lunar calendar and based on an ancient Chinese folktale. According to Taiwanese tradition, the colour and number of Valentine’s roses holds much significance. For example, one red rose means “an only love,” 11 roses means “a favourite,” 99 roses means “forever,” and 108 roses means “marry me.”

Filipinos have always been known as romantic people, which is mirrored during this special day of the heart. Valentine’s Day in The Philippines is synonymous with red roses (usually at a higher price than the usual), red shirts (for those who are looking for partners), fully-booked motels (yes!), crowded movie houses and restaurants, and of course, public plazas turned into lovers’ lanes. Schools usually don’t have regular classes on Valentine’s since it is also the time for junior and senior prom nights, which some call, “puppy love” day.

In India, Valentine’s Day celebrations are a recent phenomenon, but have caught the fancy of people to a great extent. Though some see it as a western import and hesitate to celebrate, there exists a large and growing number of those who love the feeling behind the beautiful and romantic festival.

In Saigon, hundreds of city youth have been joining hands to create the longest-ever autograph book, a record-setting notebook of love. A crowd of city youngsters will gather again this year to write Valentine’s wishes to their sweethearts on a 100-meter-long paper book. Visitors can find lovely sentences such as: “My love, how timid you are! But I love you for that,” or “I’m still looking for you. If you agree, please raise your hand”.

Although it is not a traditional Thai holiday, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around Thailand all the same. Perhaps the most outlandish celebration is the mass underwater wedding ceremony held in Trang province in southern Thailand. Every year, Feb 14, couples get married underwater. Also, the Thai folks in the northern province of Lampang have a strange way of celebrating St. Valentine’s Day — they put on a feast for elephants. The world’s largest toke tables — a round table usually less than a metre across — are piled high with flowers, bananas, sugar cane and other elephant favorites, then the big beasts go at it. The elephants don’t get to eat for free, they play music, sell their own paintings, and prance about on parade.

In Malaysia, religious officials are urging couples in Muslim-majority Malaysia and Brunei to shun Valentine’s Day, saying it conflicts with Islamic principles and could cause moral erosion. However, florists, hotels, and restaurants ramp up promotions for the occasion, offering roses inscribed with sentimental proclamations, idyllic seaside escapes and candlelight dinners with popular singers serenading lovers.

It is different in China. The seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar (celebrated in the western calendar during the month of August) is known as Qi Qiao Jie or Chinese Valentine’s Day. As is the custom elsewhere in the world, this is a day devoted to romance. There are many versions of the origins of Chinese Valentine’s Day, many clouded by history and lore.

And of course in Canada, Valentine’s Day festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Valentine’s Day balls and parties are organised all over the country with people expressing love for their spouses and sweethearts and enjoying the day to the hilt. Roses, chocolates, candies and cards are the most popular gifts for the romantic occasion.

As a tradition, children in Canada exchange Valentine’s Day gifts with their friends. In several schools, classroom parties are organised with children putting all the valentines in a decorated box.