Valentine Day and White Day
The first Valentine’s Day I experienced in the United States was a small cultural shock for me. In the U.S., February 14th is a day when people exchange gifts with one another to express their love and appreciation, regardless of gender. Friends, couples, and even family members participate in the celebration by giving chocolates, flowers, cards, or other thoughtful presents. However, in Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated quite differently. Women give gifts, often sweets or other presents, to men during Valentine's Day and men give gifts to women on White Day on March 14th. This structured way of celebrating love, with designated days for giving and receiving, contrasts with the more mutual and inclusive approach I encountered in the U.S.
White Day, which is celebrated every year on March 14, is a holiday that originated in Japan, where men give candy to women in response to the custom of women giving chocolate to men on Valentine's Day. White Day is a commercial celebration that originated in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was proposed as a day for men to give women candy or white chocolate in response to the custom of women giving men chocolate on Valentine's Day. The name ‘White Day’ comes from the fact that the candy or chocolate is white in color. There are several theories about the origin of White Day. The most popular theory is that Ishimaya, a Japanese candy company, organized a candy-giving event called “Marshmallow Day” in 1978. Other candy companies followed suit, and White Day spread across the country. Another theory is that Morinaga, a Japanese confectionery company, sold white chocolate under the name “White Day” in 1977. Another story is that Amato, a Japanese confectionery company, sold marshmallows and chocolate under the name “White Day” in 1978. However, overall, it was first proposed by a Japanese candy company in 1978 and has since spread to other Asian countries such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Today, it has become one of the biggest cultural events in Korea.
Referring to my experiences, I remember that from March 7th onward, convenience stores across Korea are filled with colorful displays of chocolates and sweets, all beautifully packaged for White Day gifts. Shelves are stocked with a variety of treats, from premium chocolates to playful candy assortments, making it easy for people to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Most bakeries also take part in the celebration, releasing special White Day limited-edition desserts, such as heart-shaped cakes, pastel-colored macarons, and gift-wrapped pastries. Some brands even collaborate with popular characters or celebrities to create themed packaging, making the experience even more festive. My father and brother always bought limited edition white chocolate that almost broke my teeth. Looking back, that is a precious memory that has built up my childhood.
The first Valentine’s Day I experienced in the United States was a small cultural shock for me. In the U.S., February 14th is a day when people exchange gifts with one another to express their love and appreciation, regardless of gender. Friends, couples, and even family members participate in the celebration by giving chocolates, flowers, cards, or other thoughtful presents. However, in Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated quite differently. Women give gifts, often sweets or other presents, to men during Valentine's Day and men give gifts to women on White Day on March 14th. This structured way of celebrating love, with designated days for giving and receiving, contrasts with the more mutual and inclusive approach I encountered in the U.S.
White Day, which is celebrated every year on March 14, is a holiday that originated in Japan, where men give candy to women in response to the custom of women giving chocolate to men on Valentine's Day. White Day is a commercial celebration that originated in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was proposed as a day for men to give women candy or white chocolate in response to the custom of women giving men chocolate on Valentine's Day. The name ‘White Day’ comes from the fact that the candy or chocolate is white in color. There are several theories about the origin of White Day. The most popular theory is that Ishimaya, a Japanese candy company, organized a candy-giving event called “Marshmallow Day” in 1978. Other candy companies followed suit, and White Day spread across the country. Another theory is that Morinaga, a Japanese confectionery company, sold white chocolate under the name “White Day” in 1977. Another story is that Amato, a Japanese confectionery company, sold marshmallows and chocolate under the name “White Day” in 1978. However, overall, it was first proposed by a Japanese candy company in 1978 and has since spread to other Asian countries such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Today, it has become one of the biggest cultural events in Korea.
Referring to my experiences, I remember that from March 7th onward, convenience stores across Korea are filled with colorful displays of chocolates and sweets, all beautifully packaged for White Day gifts. Shelves are stocked with a variety of treats, from premium chocolates to playful candy assortments, making it easy for people to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Most bakeries also take part in the celebration, releasing special White Day limited-edition desserts, such as heart-shaped cakes, pastel-colored macarons, and gift-wrapped pastries. Some brands even collaborate with popular characters or celebrities to create themed packaging, making the experience even more festive. My father and brother always bought limited edition white chocolate that almost broke my teeth. Looking back, that is a precious memory that has built up my childhood.
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