February 14th is Valentine's Day.
Lovers' Day is a popular event around the world where lovers and couples express their feelings to each other.
Valentine's Day is now a well-established winter event, but how did it come to be celebrated as ``Lovers' Day'' in the first place?
Origin of Valentine's Day
Although there are various theories, it is said that the name originates from the Christian priest St. Valentine.
The Roman Emperor at the time, Claudius II, prohibited soldiers from marrying because ``leaving a loved one back home would lower morale and have a negative impact.''
Priest Valentine takes pity on these soldiers and secretly performs their wedding ceremony.
However, when the emperor learned that he had violated his policy, he became furious and ordered a ban on weddings and a conversion, but Priest Valentine did not comply and was executed on February 14th.
Later, Priest Valentine was revered as the patron saint of lovers, and February 14th, the day he was martyred, became known as Valentine's Day.
Initially, it was a religious event to commemorate the martyrdom of Priest Valentine, but from the 14th century onwards it became established as an event for lovers to exchange gifts and came to be called ``Lovers' Day.''
valentine's day in japan
Valentine's Day culture varies from country to country; in Japan, it is common for women to give chocolates to men, but in other countries, it is more common for women to give gifts or flowers.
Valentine's Day in Europe and America is generally considered to be a day for men to convey their feelings to women, and the gifts given vary depending on the country.
For example, in the United States, it is a day when men express their love to women by giving them flowers, message cards, and accessories.
It is customary to give gifts not only to lovers, but also to a wide range of people, including friends, family, classmates, and pets.
Every year during the Valentine's season, lots of chocolates are sold and it seems like a common sight, but giving chocolates as gifts is actually a uniquely Japanese culture.
Valentine's Day was introduced to Japan in the 1950s.
Domestic confectionery companies promoted sales by combining Valentine's Day with chocolate, and it became popular in Japan as a day when women give chocolate to men.
Today, Valentine's Day in Japan has changed its style, and there are many ways to enjoy Valentine's Day not only for your loved ones, but also for friends, family, men and women.
Valentine's Day isn't just about chocolate!
Valentine's Day has changed over time, but now it's not uncommon for people to gift something other than chocolate to someone who doesn't like sweets, so they choose something different from the standard.
So, why not give a whetstone as a gift this Valentine's Day?
A whetstone for Valentine’s Day? ? Some people must be wondering.
TOGIBU has whetstones that are perfect for Valentine's Day!
That is "chocolate whetstone".
The whetstone is contained in a silicone case that resembles the color and shape of chocolate.
It completely covers the whetstone and will not damage the whetstone or anything around it when stored.
As an interior decoration, it will add cute color to your kitchen.
The chocolate-shaped case can be used as a whetstone stand.
Made of silicone material, it is non-slip and perfect for stable knife sharpening.
The whetstone inside is a medium whetstone (#1000), which is just right and convenient for everyday maintenance.
How about a new gift that can be given to anyone, regardless of gender, even if you don't know their food preferences?
If you give chocolates every year but are wondering what to do this year, we highly recommend "Chocolate Grind".
May this year's Valentine's Day be a wonderful event for you with a special gift!
Extra: How to chop chocolate
Here are some tips for chopping chocolate evenly.
By making the chopped chocolate the same size, it will be easier to melt evenly without forming lumps during hot water bathing.
- Thoroughly wipe the cutting board and knife dry
- Spread a cookie sheet on a cutting board and place the chocolate on it.
- Cut diagonally into large pieces from the corner of the chocolate.
- Gather the cut chocolate in the center and chop it into small pieces diagonally many times.
- Hold the back of the tip of the knife with the hand opposite to the one you are cutting with, and use that as the axis to move and chop.
If you have a well-sharpened knife, you can chop even faster and more efficiently!
