I know it’s one day late, but Happy Valentine’s Day!
How was your day?
My day was the worst ever. I had a stomachache. While resting, I read the history of Valentine’s Day.
According to the article, the day originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine. The modern Valentine’s Day comes from “The Parlement of Foules (Fowls),” by Geoffrey Chaucer. It was a dream vision portraying a parliament for birds to choose their mates and honoring the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.
A long time ago, I wrote about Valentine’s Day in Japan.
In the late 1950s, the Japanese chocolatier Mary’s launched the first chocolate event. After World War II (1939–1945), Japan was influenced by American culture. Chocolates were luxurious and special gifts.
On Valentine’s Day, women give chocolates to men. One month later is “White Day.” Men give gifts to women. It began in the 1970s and spread to other Asian countries. In South Korea, one month after 3/14 is “Black Day.” Singles meet and eat jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce). Jajangmyeon is so good.
My birthday is 2/16. I used to get chocolates as birthday gifts.
This afternoon, I received birthday messages from Japanese friends. Japan is 14 hours ahead. Even though it’s my birthday, I don’t feel like it’s a special day anymore.
My childhood friend came to Florida in December and gave me a birthday gift in advance.
Photos by LILI & Pixabay
Leave a Reply