While women traditionally receive gifts on Valentine’s Day, in countries like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and some parts of China, the tables are turned.
In these countries, the female folk give gifts to their male counterparts. And exactly a month after Valentine’s Day, it’s time for the men to return the favour.
14 March is celebrated as White Day where men give gifts to women.
Obligation or Love: A Gift Is a Gift
It’s a great day for men in Japan. Whether they are in love or not, they receive gifts on Valentine’s Day from their female counterparts. Japanese women give gifts to their male acquaintances out of obligation, and not necessarily out of love.
Traditionally, men are given chocolate boxes as gifts, and the type of chocolate box reflects their relationship with the woman.
Giri choco and honmei choco, are the two types of chocolate boxes that are gifted. The giri choco is given out of obligation to a friend or acquaintance. The honmei choco is for loved ones.
The Gift Expresses It All
Women usually get chocolates, flowers, expensive jewellery etc, on White Day. However, the type of sweet a woman gets as a return gift reflects the feelings of the man towards the woman.
In Japan, women who get a box of Macaroons are considered to be the luckiest. A box of Macaroons means you are precious. Candy is given to express love and cookies, friendship.
Marshmallow is the worst gift as it signifies dislike or disinterested.
A Marketing Gimmick?
White Day was first celebrated in 1978 in Japan. It is said to have been started by the confectionery industry in Japan to increase sales.
White symbolises purity and is also the colour of sugar. And that is exactly what White Day represents, sweet love.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)