Valentine's Day (バレンタイン - Valentine's Day: Historical origins of St. Valentine, Japanese vs. global customs, and commercial evolution)

Valentine's Day originates from Saint Valentinus, who is said to have been martyred during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century.
At the time, Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriage in order to boost the morale of his soldiers. However, Valentinus, a Christian priest, secretly performed marriages for these soldiers.
This incurred the Emperor's anger, and Valentinus was executed on February 14. Later, people honored his courageous actions, enshrining him as "Saint Valentine," the patron saint of lovers, and February 14 became known as St. Valentine's Day.

By around the 14th century, Valentine's Day evolved into a romantic event where lovers pledge their love to one another.

Differences Between Valentine's Day in Japan and Abroad

Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide, but the way it is celebrated varies significantly by country. In Japan, the custom of women giving chocolate to men is common, which is a unique aspect of Japanese culture.

In other countries, it is more common for men to give gifts to women. Gifts include bouquets, accessories, cards, and more. Additionally, in some countries, gifts are exchanged not only between lovers but also among family members and friends.

In Japan, the type of chocolate given varies depending on the recipient:

• Honmei-choco (本命チョコ): Chocolate given to someone you have romantic feelings for.
• Giri-choco (義理チョコ): Chocolate given out of social obligation, such as to male colleagues or supervisors in the workplace.
• Tomo-choco (友チョコ): Chocolate exchanged between friends.

In South Korea, in addition to Valentine's Day and White Day, there is Black Day on April 14. It is known as a day when those who did not receive anything on Valentine's Day or White Day wear black clothes and eat Jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles).

Cultures and Customs Related to Valentine's Day

Besides gifting chocolates, there are various other cultures and customs associated with Valentine's Day.

• • Card designs vary widely, from those featuring hearts, flowers, and cute animals to simpler options.
  • They are often accompanied by handwritten messages to express one's true feelings. Valentine's Day Cards: The custom of giving cards filled with messages of love is observed in countries worldwide.
• Valentine's Day Dinner
  Many couples enjoy a romantic dinner together.
  • Some restaurants prepare special Valentine's Day menus.
  • Some people decorate their tables with candles and flowers to create a special evening atmosphere.
• Proposals
  Some choose to propose on Valentine's Day. In Italy, in particular, Valentine's Day is highly popular as an opportunity for proposals.
• September Valentine (セプテンバーバレンタイン)
  This is a spin-off of Valentine's Day that originated in Japan, observed on September 14. It is known as a day when women initiate breakups with men.
• Saint Valentine's Day Massacre
  A gang conflict that occurred in Chicago, USA, on February 14, 1929. The gang led by Al Capone attacked a rival gang, killing seven people.

Contexts in Which the Word "Valentine" is Used

The word "Valentine" (phonetically transliterated or misspelled sometimes as "Vanlentaine" (ヴァンレンタイン) in some Japanese contexts) is primarily used in contexts related to Valentine's Day.

• • Valentine's Day events held at department stores or shopping malls.
  • Valentine's Day promotional events and campaigns run by corporations.
• • Chocolates and sweets sold during the Valentine's Day season.
  • Product names of goods themed around Valentine's Day.

Regions Where the Word "Valentine" is Used

The word "Valentine" is used worldwide, including in Japan.
However, its exact pronunciation and spelling notation vary by country.

Commercialization of Valentine's Day

In recent years, Valentine's Day has grown significantly as a commercial event.
In Japan, in particular, active promotions by the chocolate industry helped establish the custom of giving chocolates.
During Valentine's Day events at department stores, high-end chocolates by famous chocolatiers and limited-edition items are sold, attracting large crowds of shoppers.

Conclusion

The word "Valentine" is a term associated with Valentine's Day, referring to a lover, close friend, or cards and gifts given on this day.
Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but the specific customs vary.

In Japan, it is common for women to give chocolates to men, which is quite a rare custom globally. While Valentine's Day originally began as a day to mourn the martyrdom of St. Valentine, it changed over time into a day for lovers to pledge their love, underwent further commercialization, and evolved into its current form.

Under the influence of globalization, the ways of celebrating Valentine's Day continue to diversify.

Supplementary Information

White Day is a day when men give return gifts to women. While it is on March 14 (one month after Valentine's Day) in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, it is celebrated on May 20 (two months after Valentine's Day) in China.