What is Valentine’s Day? Meaning of White Valentine, Black Valentine

Couples always look forward to February 14th every year to celebrate their love in many different ways. But do you know the origin of this Valentine's Day? Let's find out with Chus!

Valentine's Day is for couples in love (Source: Unsplash)

1. Origin of Valentine’s Day

The origins of Valentine's Day are shrouded in mystery and remain somewhat unclear. While the exact beginnings are lost to time, several theories and legends contribute to its rich history.

The most popular theory links the holiday to Saint Valentine, a priest martyred around 270 A.D. under the Roman emperor Claudius II. Legend has it that Saint Valentine defied the emperor's ban on marriage and secretly performed wedding ceremonies for young lovers. He was executed on February 14th, which later became a day to celebrate love and romance. Before that day, he sent a love letter to his jailor's daughter, signing it “dal vostro Valentino” which meant 'From your Valentine."

Valentine letter (Source: Unsplash)

2. Meaning of Valentine’s Day

Origins of Valentine’s Day

Based on the above meaning, Saint Valentine became the Saint of Love, and February 14 is Valentine's Day, also known as the Red Valentine. On this day, couples often give each other chocolates, flowers, and other unique gifts to express their love for their partner.

It doesn't have to be an expensive gift to show your feelings. Sometimes, just a small gift, but if it makes you feel the full love that your partner sends, then that is the best gift you have ever received!

White Valentine’s Day

White Valentine’s Day, also known as White Day, originated in Japan. Girls give chocolates to boys, especially homemade chocolates, to express their feelings. A month later, on March 14, boys will give back gifts (usually white chocolate) as a response to girls.

Not only white chocolate, the gifts given back are also more diverse such as jewelry, clothes, dinner, etc., but most importantly, the love of the giver will be conveyed in what way for the recipient to feel it most sincerely.

Socola trắng đặc trưng ngày Valentine trắng (Ảnh: PPG Homemade)

Black Valentine’s Day

There are Red Valentine's and White Valentine's days to celebrate couples in love. So what about single people? Yes, Black Valentine was born for those who are still "single happily".

Black Valentine originated in Korea, where young singles will gather to eat and have fun. They will wear black clothes together and eat traditional black bean noodles Jjajangmyeon as a way of declaring to the world that single people are not something to be afraid of, they are still happy and enjoying their lives.

 Black bean noodles in Black Valentine (Source: Internet)

How to celebrate Valentine's Day in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, the celebration of Valentine's Day is marked with its own unique traditions. On the Red Valentine's Day, the act of exchanging gifts between men and women is not heavily gender-differentiated, but typically, men take the initiative in presenting gifts to women. Additionally, some individuals choose to follow the tradition of White Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day itself has its origins in Europe, and in Asia, particularly in China and some other culturally connected countries, East Asian Valentine's Day is observed on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, known as "Lễ Thất Tịch." This day is closely tied to the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, adding a distinctive cultural touch to the celebration of love in the East.

A bouquet of flowers and a happy smile for lover (Photo: Unsplash)

Conclusion

In general, most people today do not discuss who should give gifts to whom, since anyone can give gifts to express their feelings to their partner. The meaning of Valentine's Day is simply to express your love for your other half, so don't put too much emphasis on the value of the gift, but cherish each other instead!