The Meaning of the Valentine's Days of the Year

Every year, as soon as February arrives, streets and shopping malls are decked out in bright pink along with images of love and happiness. It all leads up to 14 February, Valentine's Day around the world.

But if 14 February is all you know about, you only know part of the story. Traditionally, 'Valentine' is the umbrella name for three days: Red Valentine, White Valentine and Black Valentine. Let us explain exactly what each of these days means.

RED VALENTINE (14 FEBRUARY)

According to an old legend, there was once a tyrannical Roman emperor who always wanted things his own way. He issued a decree banning marriage throughout the land, believing that soldiers and men would grow weak and lose their strength once they married and settled down.

After that decree, lovers in the country were left miserable and torn apart. It was a huge barrier for the people of Rome, but there was nothing they could do. Moved by the plight of the people and of the young couples in love, a bishop named Valentine made plans to defy the tyrant's decree.

Bishop Valentine secretly arranged weddings for many young couples. Any young man and woman who wished to marry would come and ask him to officiate. And so, day after day, he brought together a great many couples across the land.

But secrets never stay hidden for ever. Word reached the emperor and the bishop was thrown into prison. To protect the couples out there and to protect love in the world, he chose to accept death. According to legend, on 14 February in around 269–273, Bishop Valentine was put to death, and it was then that couples could finally be together, living freely without fear of being kept apart. From then on, to honour this great hero, the people chose 14 February each year as Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day. The brave Bishop Valentine also came to be regarded as the patron saint of love.

Every year, couples look forward to Valentine's Day as a chance to say loving words to each other, exchange small gifts as tokens of their love, or simply give a bouquet of flowers to show how they feel about that special someone. It is all an expression of love.

WHITE VALENTINE (14 MARCH)

White Day, or White Valentine, is the name given to this day. White Day originated in Japan and falls exactly one month after Valentine's Day. If Valentine's Day (14/02) is when women give gifts to their other half, White Valentine (14/03) is when men return the gesture – though in some other countries it is the other way round.

White Day began in Japan in the late 1970s: in 1977 the Ishimura Manseido confectionery in Fukuoka launched "Marshmallow Day" so that men could return the gifts they had received on 14/02, and from 1978 the National Confectionery Industry Association of Japan promoted 14/03 as "White Day" – a day for giving back.

Red Valentine and White Valentine go together perfectly. Nowadays, young people often use 14/02 to find the courage to confess to someone they have secretly loved for a long time, and then exactly a month later, on 14/03, they get their answer. Whatever the answer is, at least they have spoken up and received a clear reply, instead of staying shy and never knowing.

BLACK VALENTINE (14 APRIL)

This is the most fun singles' celebration of the year. If couples have a day of their own, then why shouldn't singles too? Black Valentine, also called Black Day, is a day just for those who love the single life. On this day they can get together and party as freely as they like, without giving a thought to all the couples out there.

If White Valentine comes from the Land of the Rising Sun, Black Valentine first began in South Korea. Traditionally, those who received no gifts on 14/02 and 14/03 dress in black and get together to eat black bean noodles (jajangmyeon) to "console" themselves about being single. Despite the gloomy word 'black', it is a lively day, when happy singles dress in stylish black outfits, head out together to enjoy the buzz, or treat themselves to a little shopping because they are still free.

So Valentine's comes in 03 days, but let's enjoy all 365 days of love. Love that special someone, love your family, love the people around you – and above all, remember to always love yourself. If you haven't found your other half yet, don't forget to stay happy and beautiful until they come along!

Ng.D