South Korea’s “Black Day” – The top black dish is jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles)

▲April 14 is “Black Day,” dedicated to single men and women. Many will wear black clothes and go out to eat black-colored food on this day, but perhaps some might also end their singleness on this day? (Photo / Illustration / Daguan Images)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

If every 14th of the month is a Valentine’s Day with a different meaning, then April 14 is the “Black Day” exclusively for single elites.

The origin of “Black Day” is in South Korea and it is one of the country’s unique holidays. After February 14’s “Western Valentine’s Day” and March 14’s “White Day,” if you didn’t receive sweets or chocolate from someone you like—or if your confession was rejected—in the previous two months, thenon April 14, the still-single men and women will wear black tops that symbolize melancholy, drink black coffee, and eat black-colored food (such as Korean jjajangmyeon),or buy some black chocolate to enjoy. Some restaurants even offer special “black-colored dishes” tailored for these single elites.

%The signature black dish for this day is jjajangmyeon, the “black noodle.” (Photo / Sourced from Wikipedia)

So, how many Valentine’s Days are there in a year? In addition to the well-known “Western Valentine’s Day,” “White Day,” and China’s “Qixi Festival,” there are actually people who designate every 14th of the month as a Valentine’s Day with a different meaning.

January 14 – Diary Day:On this day, couples give each other diaries to record their love throughout the year, symbolizing that they will walk through the coming year together and create more beautiful memories.

February 14 – Western Valentine’s Day:Generally celebrated by couples, but in countries like Japan, it is also considered the day when girls give chocolates to boys they like as a confession.

March 14 – White Day:Although originating in Europe, it is more widely known as the day when men who received chocolates on February 14 give gifts in return to the girls they like.

April 14 – Black Day:Exclusively for singles, who wear black clothes and eat black-colored food or drinks on this day.

May 14 – Rose Day:If your romantic progress is still at a standstill, then wear yellow clothes and eat yellow food on this day—that is, tell everyone, “I’m still single!” At the same time, spring is in full bloom and roses are about to blossom, so many people give roses of various colors to express love... or send yellow roses to say “goodbye.”

June 14 – Kiss Day:This is the most important day for lovers. Couples can openly express the depth of their affection through “kisses,” and many countries even hold “kissing contests” on this day.

July 14 – Silver Day:This is a good day to introduce your partner to your family elders. According to Korean custom, all expenses on this day are “paid for by the elders,” but only if the elders know about the day beforehand.

August 14 – Green Day:Originating in Eastern Europe, it’s a day to take a nature trip with your partner in the sweltering summer heat, and the gifts given are also eco-friendly. In South Korea, “soju parties” are also held to help singles find companions.

September 14 – Music Day:It’s a great opportunity to introduce your partner to your friends and colleagues. Since many couples especially enjoy taking photos with the sky as the backdrop on this day, it is also called “Photo Day.”

October 14 – Wine Day:In the cool autumn, tasting delicious wine while discussing your future together is the meaning of this day.

November 14th - Movie Valentine's Day:Coming after Singles' Day (November 11th), it is said that during this time many plants turn yellow or red, hence it's also known as "Orange Valentine's Day." It's believed that the best way to spend the day is cuddled up in a cinema watching a movie. There’s also a rumor that it was conceived by juice merchants to promote their products.

December 14th - Hug Valentine's Day:In the last month of the year, share a warm hug with your loved one on this cold winter day. On this day, you can hug for as long as you like, especially for couples who once sweetly celebrated Western Valentine's Day — still being able to embrace passionately on this day also proves the strength of your love.