Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! 

 And there's an "s" in there (it's not Valentine Day).

Anyway, a lot of people don't seem to understand what Valentine's Day actually means outside of Japan. I'm not too sure about England or European countries, so I'll stick with America. But first- the history. The name "Valentine" comes from a couple of Christian martyrs who lived way back in about 200AD. Both are called Saint Valentine. It was Chaucer in the middle ages who associated St. Valentine's Day with love (he mentioned it in a poem in the 1300's). In the 1600's Shakespeare also mentioned Valentine's Day. By the time the 1900's arrived Valentines Day was the day to give cards (often handmade). By this time Valentine's Day had become a day for lovers. And by 2000, Valentine's Day had become: cards, candy, roses, balloons, jewelry, underwear, and other gifts. Those couple of poor martyrs are forgotten...

In America, Valentine's Day is not just for lovers. And certainly not just for women giving to men (or male co-workers they don't even like). Many of the cards bought in the US are from parents to their children. My parents always gave me chocolates and sometimes balloons or flowers for Valentine's Day. And I made cards or drew pictures for them. Elementary kids in America give little cards and sometimes candies to each other, and of course their teacher. There's not a lot of home-made stuff going on. People rarely make their own chocolate or cakes. Usually chocolate is store-bought. Some people spend a lot of money- jewelry, expensive dinners, etc. Adult women might give chocolate, but usually buy a gift or something he actually likes. Men are more often then not expected to do something (anything) romantic. Many women are not looking for expensive gifts, but they definitely want something- even if it's a rose or card with something nice written in it. 

Card and candy companies make a lot of money, and a lot of Americans complain about "greed" and "commercialism." And a lot of people who are single complain that they "hate Valentine's Day," because they are lonely and bitter. Personally, I think it's nice to celebrate my feelings for loved ones and to let them know that they are important to me. So now I'm going to e-mail my Mom and tell her "Happy Valentine's Day."
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*nicest Valentine's Day gift I've received: In the 3rd grade, the boy that liked me came to my house with a big heart-shaped box of chocolate. Very sweet, especially for a 9-year old boy.

*worst gift: My college boyfriend gave me an old dirty doorknob from the boy's dormitory. And he actually thought I would like it...so I guess in a way, it was kind of sweet of him.