Differences between Valentine's Day and White Day
Valentine's Day vs. White Day[edit]
Valentine's Day, observed on February 14, and White Day, celebrated on March 14, are two holidays centered around the expression of affection, yet they possess distinct origins, traditions, and cultural practices. While Valentine's Day has ancient roots and is recognized globally, White Day is a more modern observance primarily celebrated in East Asia as a direct response to Valentine's Day.[1][2][3]
The modern iteration of Valentine's Day evolved from a Christian feast day honoring one or more martyrs named Valentine.[4] Over centuries, particularly from the 14th century onward, it became increasingly associated with romantic love.[5][4] In the 18th century, the English tradition of lovers exchanging flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards began to solidify the holiday's romantic customs.[5] Today, it is celebrated worldwide as a day for anyone to express affection to loved ones, romantic or otherwise.[2][3]
In contrast, White Day originated in Japan in the late 1970s.[1] It was first celebrated in 1978 after being conceived by the National Confectionery Industry Association as an "answer day" for men to reciprocate the gifts they received from women on Valentine's Day. This concept was built upon the Japanese cultural practice of gift reciprocation.[1] A confectionery company, Ishimura Manseido, initially marketed marshmallows to men on March 14, calling it "Marshmallow Day," before the name was changed to the more encompassing "White Day." The tradition has since spread to other East Asian regions, including South Korea, Taiwan, and China.
A key distinction lies in the gift-giving etiquette. In many East Asian countries, Valentine's Day is a day when women present gifts, primarily chocolates, to men. These gifts can be for romantic partners, known as *honmei-choco* (true feelings chocolate), or for male friends and colleagues, called *giri-choco* (obligation chocolate). White Day then serves as the occasion for men to return the favor. The return gift is often expected to be of greater value, a concept sometimes referred to as *sanbai gaeshi*, or "triple the return." Traditional White Day gifts include white chocolate, marshmallows, and other white-colored items, though jewelry and other accessories have also become common.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Valentine's Day | White Day |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 14 | March 14[1] |
| Origin | Ancient Roman festivals and a Christian feast day for St. Valentine.[3][5] | Commercially started in Japan in 1978. |
| Primary Regions | Celebrated globally.[2] | Primarily celebrated in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China. |
| Traditional Givers | Varies globally; in East Asia, typically women give to men. | Men who received gifts on Valentine's Day give to women.[1] |
| Typical Gifts | Chocolates, flowers, greeting cards.[5] | White chocolate, marshmallows, cookies, jewelry.[1] |
| Cultural Context | A broad celebration of love and affection.[2][3] | A day for reciprocating gifts received on Valentine's Day.[1] |
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "whitakerschocolates.com". Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "flowerchimp.com.hk". Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "realsimple.com". Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "nationaldaycalendar.com". Retrieved December 21, 2025.
