EXACTLY one month after Valentine’s Day, a holiday known as White Day is celebrated across Asia.
First created in 1978 Japan, White Day involves the reciprocation of gifts given during Cupid season.
In 1977, a confectionery company named Ishimura Manseido marketed marshmallows to men on March 14, dubbing it “Marshmallow Day.”
The following year, White Day was coined by the National Confectionary Industry Association in Japan as an answer to Valentine’s Day – a way for men to pay back the women who gifted them on the lover’s holiday.
As the holiday gained popularity, candy companies started to market white chocolate as well as marshmallows.
The Japanese term sanbai gaeshi – meaning “triple the return” – is a common phrase used by observers of White Day, prompting men’s return gifts to have a greater worth than the one they originally received.
First created in Japan, White Day is a tradition that has since spread to other countries throughout Asia.
Celebrations typically also occur across China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
South Korea also observes Black Day; which is celebrated one month after White Day, typically by those without a partner.
Similar to Valentine’s Day, White Day presents often include items such as:
Although historically gifts given on this holiday were the color white, in modern day practices the rules have lessened.
Gift exchanges may occur between partners, co-workers, family, or friends.
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