Valentine Day and White Day
Valentine Day and White Day
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Two significant Japanese holidays that are celebrated in February and March, respectively, are Valentine's Day and White Day. These occasions have distinctive rituals and traditions that are interesting to learn about.
Valentine's Day in Japan
Like many other nations throughout the world,
Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 in Japan. Nonetheless, Valentine's
Day is observed mainly by women in Japan, who present chocolate presents to men
as a sign of their love. This ritual is known as giri-choco, which means
obligation chocolate, and honmei-choco, which means sincere sentiments
chocolate.
Women of all ages now frequently give chocolate
gifts to their male friends, coworkers, and romantic partners because the
custom has gained popularity since then.
Giving giri-choco to male coworkers and
acquaintances is customary among women as a means to express gratitude or
sustain positive ties. Honmei-choco, on the other hand, is only given to
romantic interests or people who hold special meaning for the sender.
White Day in Japan
Japan observes White Day on March 14th, which is
precisely one month after Valentine's Day. A chocolate firm introduced White
Day to Japan in the 1980s, making it a relatively new holiday. It's a day when
men are expected to repay the women who gave them chocolate on Valentine's Day
by giving them gifts.
The name "White Day" is derived from the
hue of the gifts traditionally presented on this day. Unlike Valentine's Day,
when chocolate is the most commonly given gift, males on White Day are expected
to give a broader range of items, such as white chocolate, flowers, jewelry, or
other little gifts. The gift's monetary worth is usually proportionate to the
level of affection between the donor and the recipient.
White Day is significant for males in Japan because
it allows them to express their thoughts and thanks to the women who gave them
chocolate on Valentine's Day. It is also a day when many men feel under
pressure to choose the correct present and make a good impression on the women
in their lives.
Conclusion
Valentine's Day and White Day are two prominent
festivals in Japan, each with its own set of rituals and traditions. While
Valentine's Day is usually a day for women to give chocolate presents to men,
White Day allows men to reciprocate by giving gifts to the ladies in their
lives. These holidays represent the significance of relationships and the
outpouring of emotions in Japanese society.
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