White Day is a unique Japanese tradition celebrated every year on March 14th, where people who received gifts on Valentine’s Day return the favor. On this day, it is common for men to give gifts to women, especially to express gratitude towards their romantic partners, friends, or colleagues. White Day was introduced in the late 1970s by the confectionery industry with the goal of establishing a culture of “reciprocating” gifts as part of the Valentine’s Day tradition.
Origin of White Day
The origin of White Day goes back to 1977 when the Japanese confectionery industry proposed the idea of “Marshmallow Day.” As the custom of women giving chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day became established, there was a need for a new event where men could return the favor. Initially, it was recommended to give marshmallows, but over time, the range of gifts expanded to include cookies, candies, accessories, and chocolates, all becoming popular gifts for White Day.
Meaning and Customs of White Day
The most important meaning of White Day is to express gratitude for the gifts received on Valentine’s Day. For couples, White Day is a significant day for deepening their affection, and men often return the favor with high-quality chocolates, accessories, or flowers. For friends or colleagues, smaller gifts like cookies and candies are more common.
There’s also the term “three times return” often used in connection with White Day. This means that the gift returned should be worth three times the value of the gift received on Valentine’s Day. However, this is more of a general idea, and the choice of gifts and their value can vary depending on the relationship and budget.
Modern White Day
In modern times, White Day is recognized not only as a day for couples but also as a day to show appreciation to colleagues, friends, and family. For instance, it’s common to give sweets to coworkers or to show gratitude to family members with small gifts. While White Day initially spread as a commercial event, it has also become a good opportunity to deepen communication between people.
In recent years, more people are spending White Day as “a return gift for themselves.” For example, some people use the day to treat themselves, such as going to a spa or enjoying a special meal, to boost their self-esteem. In this way, White Day has become a day not only to express gratitude through gifts but also to show care for oneself.
As White Day approaches, department stores and supermarkets set up special booths featuring White Day gifts. So, why not try giving a gift in return this year?
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