5·20: China’s Valentine’s Day

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May 20 may be a normal day for many people worldwide, but in China, it is a special day for love. And this Chinese Valentine's Day of sorts is actually all about the sound.

A couple pose for photos at the Baofeng Lake scenic area of Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Unlike other Valentine’s Day origins filled with legend stories, China's 20th day of May celebration, which originated from the internet, is all based on the pronunciation of “5·20” (wǔ èr líng) that sounds pretty close to the word “I love you” in Chinese (wǒ ài nǐ). And with this gimmick, the day has become a perfect day to be brave and to express love.

Ways to express love

“Honeyed Words Battle” on Weibo /CGTN Photo

Many Chinese holidays, official or not, reflect the craze of the younger generation, and 5·20 is no exception.

As the internet Valentine’s Day, the holiday spirits are all over social media platforms. The popular website Weibo initiated a “Honeyed Words Battle” and “Sweet 520” photo-posting activity. And these two topics have already become hits with over 5.6 million netizens participating.

“Sweet 520” photo-posting on Weibo /CGTN Photo

Gaining popularity offline

Founded in the early 21st century, the 5·20 Valentine’s Day is no longer limited on the internet. It has developed into a modern folk custom and there are tons of ways for lovebirds to express themselves.

Roses, chocolates and small presents surely are the most traditional form of the holiday. But now “5·20” is being picked up for a much bigger mission: It is a big day to get registered to get married.

Newlyweds show their marriage registration certificates at the civil affairs bureau in Jinshan District of Shanghai, May 20, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

“Are you guys working this Sunday?” many clerks working at local civil affairs bureaus where registration takes place are asked.

May was already a popular month to get married, and this year, as 5·20 falls on Sunday, it seems like a perfect day to make one of the most important commitments in life. But the officials claim that there is no unified arrangement about whether to work overtime this weekend.

Couples taking selfies at a substation in Nanning /Photo via nnnews.com

But for lovebirds, there is always a way to show their love. According to NNNews, Nanning metro line 1 and line 2 each have a wedding-themed train on this year's 5.20 that provides a traditional Chinese wedding for participating couples.