Dating & Relationship Center

On Valentine’s Day, Japanese women give chocolate to men. Men give gifts to women on March 14th called White Day. This tradition started as a marketing tool for chocolate companies in Japan. Japanese women are encouraged to express love to men by giving chocolate and other gifts on February 14th.

White Valentine’s Day

1. White Day originated in the third Century Rome. Roman emperor, on February 14th, saved lovers who had violated the original love marriage ban and going to be executed, the Roman emperor then marked the day as Valentine’s Day. One month later, on March 14, the rescued lovers sworn in love forever and in order to commemorate that day, it is called White Valentine’s Day - White Day.
2. White Day celebration in Japan is said to have been initiated as a marketing tool by marshmallow chocolate company in the 1960s. On March 14 or White Day men are supposed to give return gifts of chocolates to women who gifted them chocolates on February 14. The color of the chocolate is generally white because of the name of the day. These days, men also gift flowers, candies and other gifts along with the chocolates.

Traditions

1. There is a strong tradition of women gifting chocolates to men on Valentines Day in Japan. It is seen that two types of chocolates are more popular for Valentine’s Day. One type of chocolate called giri-choco is bought for friends, bosses, colleagues and close male friends. ‘Giri’ in Japan means obligation hence these types of chocolates has no romantic association.
2. Chocolates for boyfriends, lovers or husbands are special ones and are called hon-mei. Many Japanese girls think that it is not true love if they buy Valentine’s Day chocolates for their boyfriend and hence honmei -choco is usually prepared by girls themselves. Men feel lucky if they receive honmei (prospective winner)-choco on Valentine’s Day.

Celebrations

1. In Japanese culture this exchange of gifts on Valentine’s Day and White Day smoothes relationships between coworkers and friends, giving us an entertaining break from our busy and stressful jobs.
2. Valentine’s Day and White Day festival is celebrated with charm and enthusiasm in Japan. It is observed that the festivals are more popular amongst young group especially those below 20 years. Most popular Valentine’s Day gift is chocolates though ladies also give other gifts like neckties and clothes to men dear to them.
3. Women tend to give special gifts, such as neckties and clothes with chocolate to those men whom they love.
4. Traditionally, popular White Valentine’s Day - White Day gifts is cookies, underwear, white chocolates, stuffed animals, jewelry, etc. Among those, jewelry is the most popular.

These are some special ways through which Valentine’s Day in celebrations.