2. Valentine’s Day is one of the sweetest holidays. A hopeless romantic myself, I can’t seem to figure out why some people deem it a superficial holiday. They say that it isn’t based on love; it’s based on giving material objects to show affection. I couldn’t disagree more. How ironic is it that people have come to hate a holiday that is all about love? Some people believe that Valentine’s Day was invented by the chocolate companies to boost sales, but this is not true. In fact, Valentine’s Day isn’t even the holiday that sells the most chocolate — Halloween is. Another problem that people have with Valentine’s Day is that they can’t see the true meaning of it. Some people think that it is superficial, but I do not agree. Although some could argue that Valentine’s Day is based solely upon representing love through material possessions, it stands for just the opposite. Valentine’s Day isn’t about how big the box of chocolates is, or how beautiful the bouquet of flowers is, it’s about showing people that you love and appreciate them.

3. Some say the day is named after a bishop named Valentine, who was stationed in the Roman Empire. Claudius II was the Emperor at that time. He thought that unmarried men made better soldiers, so he decided to make it a law that young men could not marry. Around 270 A.D., Valentine took pity on the ostracized soldiers who were not permitted to marry or see their sweethearts. He became an advocate of these young lovers and began to perform secret marriages. He was soon found out and jailed. Emperor Claudius II attempted to convert Valentine to begin worshipping the Roman gods, but Valentine refused. Instead, he tried to convert Claudius to Christianity and Valentine sentenced to be executed on February 24, 270.

4. Can I Be Your Valentine Everyday we act as though we are just good friends. It is though we are seeing through a different lens. But I wish we could be more. Because crying makes me feel poor. Poor of love, as though nobody loves me. If you look it isn't that hard to see. Can't we be more than just good friends? Can't we look through the same lens? Can you picture us together? Can I be the certain her? The her you're always talking about. The one you say you can't live without. I know what I ask is a little much. I just want us to be able to touch. Hold each other and never let go. But if I ask will the answer be no? Either way I have to take a chance. May our hearts have one dance?

5. Many people celebrate their love for their partner by sending cards or letters, giving gifts or flowers and arranging meals in restaurants or romantic nights in hotels. People who would like to have a romantic relationship with somebody may use the occasion to make this known, often anonymously. Valentine's cards are often decorated with images of hearts, red roses or Cupid. Common Valentine's Day gifts are flowers chocolates, candy, lingerie and champagne or sparkling wine. However, some people use the occasion to present lavish gifts, such as jewelry. Many restaurants and hotels have special offers at this time. These can include romantic meals or weekend breaks.

6. Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; Sounds of the rude world heard in the day, Lull by the moonlight have all pass away! Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song, List while I woo thee with soft melody; Gone are the cares of life's busy throng. Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me! Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me! Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea, Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie; Over the streamlet vapors are borne, Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn. Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart, E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea; Then will all clouds of sorrow depart, Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

7. As with all Western holidays that have made their way over to Japan, almost all of the changes and “traditions” have been created by commercial organizations, looking to build swimming pools of 500 yen coins. In fact, only during one week before Valentine’s Day, chocolate companies make half of their annual sales. That’s a lot of money, and a lot of chocolate. Then again, in America (and other places too), we give a lot of chocolate as well. So, what makes Japan different?