White Day, also known as Valentine’s Day (March 14), is a special occasion celebrated annually on March 14, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day (February 14). This day offers couples an opportunity to express their romantic feelings and reciprocate the gifts they received on the previous Valentine’s Day. Although this holiday is not as widely known as Valentine’s Day, White Day has become an important part of love culture in many countries, especially in East Asia. Let’s explore White Day around the world and the popular gifts exchanged on this day.
Japan is the birthplace of White Day, and the country has some unique customs around this holiday. On Valentine’s Day, women in Japan traditionally give chocolates to men as a way to express their feelings, whether in love or friendship. However, White Day is a day when men are expected to reciprocate the gift with something more expensive, such as white chocolates, jewelry, or other meaningful gifts like handwritten letters. Gifts on this day reflect appreciation and respect for the woman who gave a gift on Valentine’s Day.
One special gift for this day is white chocolate – a popular and symbolic gift. Additionally, in romantic relationships, couples often exchange gifts like bracelets, flowers, or even enjoy a romantic vacation together.
Similar to Japan, White Day in South Korea is celebrated on March 14 as a day for men to reciprocate the gifts they received from women on Valentine’s Day. However, in South Korea, there is not just one White Day, but also an additional holiday called Black Day, celebrated on April 14, for those who did not receive gifts during these two days. On Black Day, people who did not receive gifts from friends or lovers gather to eat jajangmyeon (black bean paste noodles) together.
Gift choices for White Day in South Korea are diverse, ranging from romantic gifts like fresh flowers, white chocolates, and perfumes, to more playful items such as stuffed bears, cosmetics, or cute couple items. In Korean culture, gifts symbolize love and long-lasting bonds between couples.
In China, White Day is not an official holiday, but it is becoming increasingly popular among couples. While it is not celebrated as extensively as in Japan and South Korea, White Day offers a chance for lovers to show appreciation for each other. Although influenced by Valentine’s Day in February, many Chinese people use White Day to give romantic and meaningful gifts such as flowers, jewelry, or cosmetics.
A common gift in China on White Day is a white rose, which symbolizes pure and innocent love. In addition, high-end cosmetics, white chocolates, and bracelets are also popular gifts during this occasion.
Although White Day is not as popular in Western countries as it is in Japan or South Korea, it is still known and serves as a wonderful opportunity for couples in these countries to continue expressing their love after Valentine’s Day. Some Western countries have started celebrating White Day, especially those with strong cultural exchanges with Asia, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In these countries, gifts for loved ones on White Day may include romantic items such as chocolates, flowers, perfumes, or more refined gifts like bracelets or a romantic getaway. While there are no strict rules regarding the types of gifts, White Day remains a chance for couples to show their love through meaningful and thoughtful gifts.
Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for your loved one on White Day:
Conclusion
White Day is a special occasion for couples to express their love and care for each other. While this holiday may not be as widely celebrated as Valentine’s Day on February 14, White Day has become an integral part of love culture in many countries around the world. No matter where you are, don’t forget to choose meaningful gifts for your loved ones to make this day more memorable and special.