Tag: Valentine’s Day

Did You Know?

Did You Know? In South Korea, Love Has 12 Official Dates a Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that in South Korea, the 14th of every month isn’t random — it’s romantic?

While much of the world circles February 14 as the only date that matters, South Korea has quietly stretched the idea of love across the entire calendar. Instead of one annual crescendo, romance unfolds in chapters.

January 14 begins softly with Diary Day. Couples exchange planners — not flashy gifts, but something symbolic. It’s about shared schedules, shared goals, shared futures. Imagine starting the year by saying, “Let’s write this together.”

February 14 follows a custom that surprises many outsiders. Women give chocolates to men. Not just to partners, but sometimes to friends or colleagues. Then comes March 14 — White Day — when men reciprocate with sweets or gifts. The back-and-forth creates anticipation. It builds momentum.

And then April 14 flips the script entirely.

Black Day belongs to singles. Instead of awkward silence about relationship status, people gather to eat jajangmyeon — black bean noodles — turning independence into a communal event. It’s ironic, playful and empowering all at once. Imagine a culture where being single gets its own social holiday.

By May 14, roses and yellow-themed dates dominate. June 14 is Kissing Day, openly celebrating affection. July 14, known as Silver Day, often marks the exchange of silver rings — subtle symbols of commitment without the weight of engagement.

August 14 encourages green outfits and nature dates. September 14 becomes Photo or Music Day — capturing memories or sharing meaningful playlists. October 14 leans into wine and red symbolism. November 14 sends couples to the cinema for Movie Day. December 14 closes the year warmly with Hug Day — and sometimes even Sock Day — practical gifts wrapped in emotional meaning.

What makes this fascinating isn’t whether every couple participates religiously. It’s that the rhythm exists at all. Twelve built-in reminders to pause. To acknowledge. To celebrate. Or simply to reflect.

It also reveals something deeper about modern Korean dating culture — how symbolism, commerce, social media and genuine emotion intersect. Cafés create themed menus. Gift shops stock color-coded items. Photo booths fill up. Instagram feeds align with the mood of the month.

Now imagine this: what if your calendar nudged you toward connection 12 times a year? Would relationships feel more intentional? Would single life feel less isolated? Would gratitude become routine instead of occasional?

In South Korea, the 14th quietly suggests that love — in all its forms — deserves more than one day of attention.

And here’s the final question: if you had to pick just one of the 14ths to celebrate, which would it be?

Special Occasion

Valentine’s Day 2026: More Than Roses, It’s About Real Love

Tanisha Cardozo

Valentine’s Day arrives each year wrapped in red roses, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinner reservations. But beyond the commercial gloss lies something far more meaningful — the human need for connection.

February 14 has evolved over centuries, from a feast day honouring Saint Valentine to a global celebration of romance. Today, it transcends borders, cultures and traditions. In cities, couples queue outside restaurants for the perfect dinner date. In quieter homes, handwritten letters are slipped across tables. In friend groups, “Galentine’s” brunches celebrate sisterhood. And for many, it becomes a day of intentional self-care.

But what truly makes Valentine’s Day special?

It’s the pause. The deliberate choice to express what we often assume is understood. A simple “I appreciate you.” A message you’ve been meaning to send. A bouquet that says what words sometimes cannot.

Interestingly, the meaning of love itself has expanded. Younger generations are redefining the day — focusing not just on romantic partners but on friendships, family bonds and self-worth. Social media feeds fill with proposals and curated surprises, but the most powerful moments are often the quiet ones: cooking together at home, revisiting a shared memory, or forgiving an old misunderstanding.

There’s also a growing emphasis on self-love. In a world that constantly demands productivity and perfection, Valentine’s Day can become a reminder to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others. That might mean buying your own flowers, taking a solo trip, or simply unplugging for an evening.

And perhaps that’s the most important shift. Love is no longer confined to grand gestures. It lives in effort, presence and intention.

So this year, ask yourself:
Who deserves to hear “I love you” from you?
Have you said it to yourself lately?

Valentine’s Day 2026 is not just about roses. It’s about reflection. It’s about gratitude. It’s about choosing connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

However you celebrate — extravagantly or simply — let it be real. Let it be meaningful. And most importantly, let it be yours.

Special Occasion

Galentine’s Day: Celebrating the Girls Who Show Up, Stay Strong & Shine Together

Tanisha Cardozo

Before Valentine’s Day fills timelines with roses, proposals, and candlelit dinners, February 13 quietly carries its own kind of magic. Galentine’s Day is not about romance. It’s about the women who walk beside us through every chapter of life — the friends who show up, stay strong, and shine together.

The concept first gained popularity through Parks and Recreation, when the endlessly optimistic Leslie Knope declared it a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.” What started as a fictional brunch scene soon turned into a cultural movement. Today, Galentine’s Day is celebrated across the world — from cozy living rooms to vibrant brunch tables — as a tribute to female friendships.

But beyond the cute captions and coordinated outfits lies something deeper.

Think about your journey for a moment. Who answered your late-night calls when things felt overwhelming? Who encouraged you to apply for that opportunity you were scared of? Who celebrated your smallest achievements as if they were headline news? And who stood quietly beside you when life didn’t go according to plan?

Chances are, it was your girls.

Female friendships often become our emotional anchors. They are built on shared secrets, inside jokes, mutual growth, and an understanding that doesn’t always need explanation. They evolve with us — from school corridors to college campuses, from first jobs to life-defining decisions. These friendships witness our awkward phases, our glow-ups, our heartbreaks, and our comebacks.

In a world that constantly glorifies romantic love as the ultimate destination, Galentine’s Day shifts the narrative. It reminds us that love is not limited to romance. Love exists in loyalty. Love exists in support. Love exists in that friend who sends you job links, checks in on your mental health, and reminds you of your worth when you forget it yourself.

There is no pressure attached to Galentine’s Day. It doesn’t demand grand gestures or expensive gifts. It can be a simple brunch, a beach evening, a pajama night with endless conversations, or even just a heartfelt message sent across cities and time zones. What matters is acknowledgment. What matters is gratitude.

Friendships, especially between women, carry immense power. They create safe spaces in a noisy world. They foster growth. They build resilience. And sometimes, they save us from versions of ourselves that were settling for less.

So this February 13, pause before the Valentine’s rush begins. Look at your group chat. Think of the women who have shaped your journey. Send that message. Plan that meet-up. Say the words you usually assume they already know.

Because long after the flowers fade and the chocolates are gone, it is often the friendships that remain constant.

And that kind of love deserves to be celebrated — loudly, proudly, and together.

Fit & Fabulous

Godrej Professional Expert Highlights Brown as Top Hair Colour Trend This Valentine’s Day

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

In a season traditionally dominated by heart motifs and predictable beauty narratives, the most romantic hair colour might come as a surprise. It’s brown — layered, nuanced and quietly captivating in its charm. According to Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head at Godrej Professional, romance this Valentine’s Day is wearing brown.


The appeal of brown lies in its authenticity. Shades such as roasted almond, hot chocolate and butterscotch blonde strike a delicate balance between warmth and sophistication. Rather than demanding attention, these hues invite it. For both salon professionals and consumers, brown’s versatility is unmatched — it flatters a wide range of Indian skin tones, adapts seamlessly across lighting conditions and ages gracefully as hair grows.

From a technical standpoint, brown is where craftsmanship truly shines. Unlike extreme or high-lift colours, brown relies heavily on precision and balance. Undertones play a crucial role — a roasted almond brown with subtle golden warmth can soften facial features, while a deeper hot chocolate shade adds richness and depth without appearing heavy. Butterscotch blonde, when executed correctly, brightens the look while maintaining natural movement.

There is also a science-backed reason brown shades appear healthier. Multi-dimensional browns reflect light more evenly, creating the illusion of enhanced shine and smoother texture. Colours closer to natural melanin tones preserve visual density better than lighter shades, making hair appear fuller and more resilient. The result is colour that looks luxurious rather than over-processed.

Culturally, brown aligns seamlessly with the evolving definition of romance. Modern Valentine’s moments are increasingly about quiet connections — coffee dates, intimate dinners and everyday closeness — rather than grand gestures. These subtle tones mirror that shift, offering confidence without being performative and sensuality without excess.

Brown also offers endless personalisation opportunities through techniques like glossing, lowlighting and soft contouring. Each service enhances the look while remaining wearable, allowing individuals to elevate their appearance without changing who they are.

This Valentine’s Day, brown reflects how romance is evolving — softer, more personal and rooted in authenticity. In the language of hair colour, brown embodies warmth, confidence and quiet luxury, leaving a lasting impression without ever trying too hard.

Special Occasion

Valentine Week 2026: Seven Days of Love, One Beautiful Celebration

Tanisha Cardozo

Valentine Week 2026 is a seven-day celebration of love, emotion, and connection that leads up to Valentine’s Day on February 14. Observed every year from February 7 to February 14, this week offers people the opportunity to express affection not just through grand gestures, but through simple, meaningful acts that strengthen bonds and bring hearts closer.

The week begins on Rose Day, February 7, 2026, a day that symbolises admiration and affection. Roses, in their many colours, convey different emotions — red for love, yellow for friendship, white for peace, and pink for gratitude. It marks the gentle beginning of a week filled with emotion.

This is followed by Propose Day on February 8, 2026, when feelings find their voice. It’s a day when people choose to express their love openly — whether it’s a new confession, a renewed commitment, or a reminder of affection that already exists.

Chocolate Day, celebrated on February 9, 2026, adds sweetness to the week. Chocolates become symbols of care and comfort, reminding us that love often lies in small, thoughtful gestures that bring joy and warmth.

The emotional depth of the week grows with Promise Day on February 10, 2026. This day is about trust and assurance — making promises that reflect loyalty, understanding, and the desire to stand by one another through all phases of life.

On Hug Day, February 11, 2026, love finds expression through warmth and closeness. A hug becomes a silent reassurance, capable of conveying care, comfort, and emotional security without words.

The intimacy of the week continues with Kiss Day on February 12, 2026, a moment that symbolises affection, closeness, and emotional bonding. It’s a reminder of the trust and connection shared between two people.

Finally, the celebration culminates with Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2026, the most recognised day of love. While traditionally associated with romantic partners, Valentine’s Day today embraces love in all its forms — romantic, familial, platonic, and even self-love.

Valentine Week 2026 isn’t about perfection or extravagance; it’s about intention, emotion, and presence. Whether celebrated with a partner, friends, family, or alone, the week encourages everyone to pause, reflect, and express love in ways that feel genuine and meaningful. In a fast-paced world, these seven days serve as a gentle reminder that love, when expressed sincerely, has the power to connect, heal, and uplift.