It’s love, right?

Good day, I am not sure what time or day you are reading this at, but I had a plan. I would write out the long living story of Valentine’s Day. A story that could probably be perceived as a suggestion. In reality, we all stand with our own views and morals. The people in use of the word “love” can bring separate or even intertwined meanings. Including the nation to which you celebrate within, customs. Before I spell out the name of the country we will be looking at, keep in mind that there is not a specific/certain way to celebrate.

Japan

The celebration starts off on February 14th with women gifting chocolate to men or male figures in their life. The chocolate can represent many statuses, “Giri-choco” for acquaintances and “Honmei-choco” for romantic relationships are most common though. Some women put extra effort in their partner’s gift and make the chocolate from their home! “Honmei-choco” translates to “true feelings chocolate”, and “Giri-choco” has an overestimated translation to “obligation chocolate.” A month later (March 14) the exchange is returned by the men to the women with their own special meanings called White Day.

When it comes to men, participation in White Day works more so as a choice. The sweets can be perceived as the man’s feelings for the recipient. At one point marshmallows had been the staple for March 14, but the idea that a marshmallow melts fast left the sweet deserted (for the holiday). However, marshmallows did pave the way for all sorts of candy to be marketed with meaning. The holiday or celebration made its first appearance during the 1980s and can also be observed in South Korea and Taiwan.

Cookies depict a platonic relationship.

Macarons depict a treasured friendship.

Hard candy sits at the top for its representation of mutual romantic feelings. Although expensive white chocolates share the same message, hard candy lasts much longer in comparison.

When further investigating White Day, I realized that many see the use of white as a different meaning. In many cultures and religions, white is the symbol of purity. Purity in this case is the honesty of the love shared between two teens. Even when the price of the girl’s gift is expected to be 2 to 3 times the amount of the one they received on Valentine’s day. Over time the two holidays together have been misinterpreted as harassment in the workplace. Women have been put into a tough position to show respect with chocolate or an empty hand. Have the lines blurred these special meanings? Will you celebrate White Day?