White Day is celebrated on March 14, one month after Valentine’s Day. It is a kind of second Valentine’s Day celebrated in Japan, China, and South Korea. While on Valentine’s Day, people give gifts to others to express their love, on White Day, the ones who receive gifts give gifts to the one they love and return the favor. Did you know that on this day, you need to give three times the amount of gifts you received on Valentine’s Day? Yes, let’s learn more about this unique romantic festival!
History of White Day
We cannot simply describe White Day as the day that occurs exactly one month after Valentine’s Day when people give gifts to those who gave them gifts on Valentine’s Day, it is more than that. Therefore, to fully understand this day, you need to understand the history of White Day and the culture of Japan.
Valentine’s day came to Japan in the 1930s, and the first Valentine’s day is said to be celebrated in Japan in 1936. However, it did not get popular, and people did not show much interest in celebrating it until the late 1960s. It is celebrated a little differently in Japan as it is seen as an opportunity for girls to show that they like a boy. Japanese women on this day give expensive chocolates to men they’re romantically involved with.
Later in 1997, a small confectionery company based in Fukuoka marketed marshmallows to men on March 14, the month after Valentine’s day, to gift them back to the girls they like. They called it ‘Marshmallow Day,’ the answer to Valentine’s day. The store later suggested changing the name to a more open-ended ‘White Day.’ This trend caught on, and many companies in Japan began marketing marshmallows and white chocolates on this day.
This tradition has spread to many Asian countries like South Korea and China, and people gift others chocolate, jewelry, lingerie, and everything women love on this day. However, this day is not just for women to receive gifts. This day is a perfect backup for anyone who received a gift on Valentine’s day to return the favor.
White Day timeline
People of Japan celebrate the first-ever Valentine's day in their nation.
The western celebration of love gains popularity in Japan.
A small confectionery shop in Fukuoka markets marshmallows to men as an answer to Valentine's day and calls it ‘Marshmallow Day.’
The National Confectionery Industry Association starts referring to March 14 as White Day.
White Day FAQs
Why is it called White Day?
It is called White Day because the color white is considered a symbol of purity and is associated with teen love in Japanese culture.
What should I buy on White Day?
The common gifts you can buy on White Day are white chocolate, cookies, candy, jewelry, and clothes.
Is White Day celebrated in America?
Though it originated as a Japanese holiday, many different cultures, including some Americans, celebrate White Day.
White Day Activities
Just celebrate it
Although celebrating White Day might not be present in your country, it doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate it. So, celebrate White Day with your loved ones the Japanese way!
You can teach others
You can research more about this celebration and the tradition of White Day to raise awareness about this event in your community. What are you waiting for?
Share your favorite White Day story
Love is full of interesting things. You can share your favorite White Day celebration story on social media and express your joy to the world.
5 Important Facts About White Day And Love
Valentine's day is different in Korea
In Korea, women are expected to give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day.
Singles are not left out
If you didn’t receive any gift on Valentine's Day and you’re not returning the favor on White Day, you can celebrate Black Day on April 14.
Public affection is considered rude in Japan
In Japan and some other Asian countries, expressions of love such as hugging and kissing in public are considered rude.
Approach the lips
The Japanese word for ‘kiss’ is ‘Seppun,’ which means ‘to approach the lips.’
Actions express better
People from Asia take pride in conveying their affection and love through actions.
Why We Love White Day
We need White Day
White Day is all about returning or giving back the love you’ve received on Valentine's day. So, yeah, we’ll take that!
It is a sweet gesture for a sweet beginning
The main essence of this event emphasizes love. This sweet gesture of exchanging gifts is the beginning of many lovely things.
It celebrates love
The day is filled with love, and it gives you a chance to choose that special someone in your life. Who doesn’t love some love?
White Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 14 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 14 | Wednesday |
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