Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was actually called Saint Valentine's Day. It is an annual holiday held on February 14th celebrating love and affection. It was officially named by Pope Gelasius I in 494 AD in honor of early Christian martyrs named Valentine.

The holiday is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery (chocolates, sweets, etc) and sending cards and the trend of sending Valentine cards actually started on the 19th century!

The name "Valentine" is derived from the word "Valens" which means Worthy.

The history of how did Valentine's Day came about is really very interesting! There are various stories, histories and legends about it.

I was reading Wikipedia about Valentine's Day and I stumbled upon the section about Asia.

It is said that in Asian countries with Singaporeans, Chinese and South Koreans spends the MOST money on Valentine's gifts! The most interesting thing is the traditions Asians actually have!

In Japan, in 1960, Morinaga, one of the biggest Japanese confectionery companies, originated the present custom that only women may give chocolates to men. In particular, office ladies will give chocolate to their co-workers.

One month later, on March 14, there is the White Day, created by Japanese National Confectionery Industry Association as a "reply day", where men are expected to return the favour to those who gave them the chocolates on Valentine's Day.

It has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers. A man's popularity can be measured for how many chocolate they receive on that day

In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14 and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14 (White Day). On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of Feb/March goes to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles to 'mourn' their single life.

The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea. From Jan to Dec: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day and Hug Day.

Interesting huh! It would be cool if this were to happen in Singapore!

Uh, but too bad that this year's Valentine's Day clashes with Lunar New Year!

I feel sorry for all couples! D:

Well, personally I think that Valentine's Day need not to just be celebrated between lovers but friends as well!

In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystavanpaiva which translates into "Friend's Day". This day is more about remembering all your friends and not only your love ones.

Anyway, happy early Valentine's Day! :)