White Day
March 14, Thursday
History of the holiday
White Day began in Japan in 1978 as a marketing campaign for candy manufacturers. The concept quickly became popular, spreading to Taiwan, South Korea, and China.
The idea is that men who receive chocolates or gifts from women on Valentine's Day return the gesture with kindness and attention in the form of gifts.
Traditions and Symbolism
Gifts. The most common gift is white chocolate, hence the name of the holiday. Other sweets (marshmallows, cookies) or small gifts such as jewelry and flowers are also given.
Types of gifts
Giri-choco (obligatory chocolate). Usually given to coworkers, friends, or bosses. In response, they give small symbolic gifts.
Honmei-choco (chocolate for the beloved). If a man receives such a gift, he usually gives a more significant gift in return (for example, jewelry or luxurious sweets).
In Japan, there is an unspoken rule that a gift on White Day should cost three times more than a gift received on Valentine's Day.