Valentine's Day Coloring Pages

The day to tell special people "I love you" or "Thank you"! Valentine's Day

February 14th is Valentine's Day. In Japan, it is famous as a day when girls give chocolates to boys to tell them how they feel. But lately, friends trade "friend chocolates" with each other, too. People also give presents to their family to say "thank you." All around the world, it is a wonderful day to share love and thanks with people who are special to you.

How Valentine's Day started

It is said that Valentine's Day came from the story of a kind priest named Valentinus long ago in Rome. Back then, soldiers were not allowed to get married. But he bravely and kindly held secret weddings for couples in love. People say his brave kindness was the start of today's "day of love."

Valentine's Day around the world

In Japan, women usually give chocolates to men. But in other countries, people celebrate in different ways.

• America and Europe: Men often give flowers, cards, or stuffed animals to women. Sweethearts and married couples celebrate it together as a "day of love."
• Finland: It is called "Friendship Day." People give cards or small gifts to close friends to celebrate their friendship.

Make it Look Yummy! How to Choose Colors

Valentine's Day coloring pages have lots of sweet chocolates and cute hearts! Let's color them to look super cute and yummy.

• Chocolate colors: Even with chocolate, there are many different kinds. Try using dark brown for dark chocolate, light brown for milk chocolate, and cream color for white chocolate.
• Hearts and ribbons: Valentine's Day is all about hearts, the symbol of love! Use red, pink, or purple to show warm feelings. Your picture will look fancy if you use colors like gold or light blue for the ribbons.
• Wrapping: You can color the boxes and wrapping paper any color you like. Adding stripes or polka dots makes them look super cute too.

Tricks to Make It Sparkle

Here are some quick tricks to make the treats look even more delicious.

• Make it shiny: Leave the shiny spots white on the chocolates or heart balloons. This makes them look smooth and glossy. It adds depth and makes them look real!
• Add toppings: Draw colorful little dots on top of the chocolate to make sprinkles, or add some yellow-ochre for nuts. It will make your picture extra fun!

Set the Mood with the Background

If you color the background with soft pinks or reds, it will feel warm and happy. Try adding small hearts or lace patterns to make it feel extra special!

Valentine's Day in Japan Started Right Here

The habit of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day in Japan is said to have started in the Showa era. Candy makers began advertising, "Express your love by giving chocolates on Valentine's Day!" They did not give up and kept advertising with department stores. It became a huge success! Now, it is a fun culture unique to Japan.

"White Day" Was Born in Japan

"White Day," the day to give a return gift for Valentine's Day, is a habit born in Japan. It started when candy shops suggested, "Let's give marshmallows or cookies as a return gift!" That is why many other countries do not have a White Day.

"Flowers" Are the Most Given Gift in the World

If you look around the world, the most given Valentine's Day gift is actually "flowers," not chocolates! Red roses are the most popular because they mean "I love you" in the language of flowers.