Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but in addition to the traditional Valentine's Day (Red Valentine), there's also White Valentine (White Day). Although these holidays both center around love, they have different origins, customs, and meanings.
Red Valentine, which is also known as Valentine’s Day, has a long history tied to the legend of Saint Valentine. On this day, people express love and affection through gifts, flowers, and romantic gestures. The symbol of love for this day is typically the red rose, chocolate, and heartfelt messages.
On February 14th, couples often celebrate by spending time together, exchanging love letters or gifts, and going on romantic dates. This day is primarily for romantic love, with a focus on couples and lovers.
White Valentine, celebrated on March 14th, is a relatively modern holiday that originated in Japan in the 1970s. On this day, the person who received a gift on Red Valentine returns the favor by giving a gift in return, often choosing white-colored gifts such as white chocolate, flowers, or jewelry. The idea behind White Valentine is to express mutual love and appreciation, and it complements Red Valentine by providing an opportunity for a balanced exchange of affection.
White Valentine has spread beyond Japan to some other countries, but it is still not as widely celebrated as Red Valentine. In some cultures, White Valentine is seen as a day for expressing gratitude, particularly for those who have helped or supported you.
In conclusion, both Red Valentine and White Valentine are holidays that celebrate love but in different ways. While Red Valentine focuses on romantic expressions of love, White Valentine allows for a reciprocal exchange of affection and appreciation.