Today is the White Day!
In Japan, people celebrate Valentine's Day a little differently. On February 14, only men receive chocolates. But do not worry, women are not forgotten. Because a month later, on the white day, it is their turn to receive!
White Day is a Japanese-born practice that can also be found nowadays in some East Asian countries such as Korea or China. The initiators of this festival, in the 70s, are members of a confectionery company in Fukuoka, which offered men the chance to give back to women who had offered them chocolates the previous month. This day was first called "Marshmallow Day" because the first campaign was designed to promote the sale of marshmallows.
But the name evolved in the 80s to become White Day. White is certainly a symbol of purity and joy, but the name was simply chosen in the first place thanks to ... The color of sugar! The concept evolved and we gradually began to offer white chocolate, sweets or other treats.
However, nowadays, more and more people are turning to other types of gifts than treats. Most of the time we offer jewelery or flowers, and sweets come in second place!
It is said that the gift of White Day must be worth three times the amount of chocolates received for Valentine's Day (sanbai-gaeshi, "make 3 times"), but this practice now tends to decline.
White Day is a Japanese-born practice that can also be found nowadays in some East Asian countries such as Korea or China. The initiators of this festival, in the 70s, are members of a confectionery company in Fukuoka, which offered men the chance to give back to women who had offered them chocolates the previous month. This day was first called "Marshmallow Day" because the first campaign was designed to promote the sale of marshmallows.
But the name evolved in the 80s to become White Day. White is certainly a symbol of purity and joy, but the name was simply chosen in the first place thanks to ... The color of sugar! The concept evolved and we gradually began to offer white chocolate, sweets or other treats.However, nowadays, more and more people are turning to other types of gifts than treats. Most of the time we offer jewelery or flowers, and sweets come in second place!
It is said that the gift of White Day must be worth three times the amount of chocolates received for Valentine's Day (sanbai-gaeshi, "make 3 times"), but this practice now tends to decline.
If Valentine's Day has a very romantic dimension in our Western countries, it's a little different for Japan. Girls can offer chocolates to their friends or colleagues as well as to their lovers, and rarely for themselves as Gofoubi (treat oneself).
There are two types of Valentine's chocolates: giri-choco, "chocolates of courtesy" and honmei-choco, which express a sincere love. Even though many women say that a return to the White Day for chocolates is not necessary, it is still appreciated!
Do not hesitate to offer treats in return if you received chocolates on Valentine's Day!