Chinese Valentine's Day Gifts

The Chinese observe Qixi --- the Asian equivalent of Valentine's Day.

While Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th in the Western world, China has its own romantic holiday that falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month --- typically during the first few weeks of August. Called "Qixi" or the "Seven Sisters Festival," the Chinese Valentine's Day is celebrated much differently than its United States namesake.

Craft Kits

Needlework kits --- particularly those with Asian-inspired projects --- make an ideal gift for this holiday.

As part of Qixi, young women have typically prayed in hopes of receiving important skills in needlework and weaving. Choose an elaborate cross-stitch, crewel embroidery or needlepoint kit for the woman who excels in the area of handicrafts. Look for one with an Oriental design to give special meaning to the holiday, or select one that has a design that matches her decor. Latch-hook rugs are another option. Kits typically come with a pre-printed canvas and pre-cut pieces of yarn in the appropriate colors. The latch hook is usually sold separately.

Jewelry

Jade earrings symbolize "the stone of Heaven."

Jewelry is always an appropriate gift for a romantic holiday, no matter in what part of the world you celebrate. Choose a pair of jade earrings --- a highly-esteemed stone in the Orient, a yin and yang pendant or a jade and emerald ring --- perfect for an impromptu engagement on this day of romantic love. Purchase a pendant of the Chinese symbol for love, faithfulness, passion or beauty and a matching chain or black cord.

Bamboo

Bamboo plants are considered lucky by many Chinese people.

Since Chinese Valentine's Day falls during the summer months, bamboo --- associated with summer in Chinese culture --- make an appropriate gift. Choose a small bamboo plant without reservation since bamboo grows rapidly. Bamboo that's been shaped to form a heart is a clever option on this holiday for lovers. Bamboo is considered to represent the perfect balance of yin and yang --- male and female energy --- an obvious symbol of the relationship between a man and a woman.

Silk

A red silk robe is a perfect gift for Chinese Valentine's Day.

China has been famous for producing the finest silk for centuries. The sensuous feel of silk against the skin is a no-brainer when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. For her, choose a silk negligee, teddy or robe with an Asian print design. Buy him a silk dress shirt to wear to a romantic Valentine dinner or a high-quality silk necktie for everyday wear to the office. Purchase matching his-and-hers pajamas made of the finest silk to wear when lounging together on a Sunday morning.

References

• "China Through a Lens"; It's Chinese Valentine's Day (excerpted from Shanghai Star); August 2002
• "China"; Culture: Qixi ---the Chinese Valentine's Day (excerpted from China Daily); August 2005
• Hong Kong Tourism Board: Seven Sisters
• Living Arts Originals: Bamboo Meanings

Resources

• Find Gift: Chinese Valentine's Day