Japanese “secret” button
Unicode: 3299 FE0F
Description
A red circle with a white flower inside, specifically a Japanese 'Ideograph-Reserved-3299'. The 'FE0F' is a variation selector indicating emoji presentation.
Group:
Symbols > alphanum
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
This emoji primarily conveys the meaning of 'Congratulations' in Japanese culture, often used at celebrations, achievements, or happy events. It signifies good wishes and success.
Backstory
This emoji (🔴 congratulation symbol) was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010) as part of a set of symbols related to Japanese cultural expressions. Its design is based on a traditional Japanese congratulatory motif.
Usage Examples
- Congratulating someone on a birthday: '誕生日おめでとうございます！💮'
- Celebrating an achievement: '試験合格おめでとう！💮'
- Wishing good luck on an engagement/marriage: 'ご結婚おめでとうございます！💮'
- Expressing general happiness about a positive event: '素晴らしいニュース！💮'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Less commonly understood without context. It might be interpreted as a general 'flower' or a 'red circle' emoji unless the user is familiar with its Japanese origin.
East Asian culture:
Widely recognized and used in Japan (and sometimes other East Asian countries) to express 'Congratulations' (おめでとう, Omedetō). It's a joyful and celebratory symbol.
Specific Use:
Often seen on congratulatory cards, banners, or digital messages in Japan, akin to how '🎉' is used elsewhere for celebration.