While the rest of the world celebrate February 14 as Valentine’s Day with a mixture of genuine romance, affection and in some cases, disgruntlement – with mostly men gifting their partners chocolates, flowers and other romantic gifts; countries like Japan, South Korea and even Taiwan and Vietnam has a second Valentine’s Day on March 14 known as White Day.
So what’s White Day and how is it different from Valentine’s Day?
In Japan, it is customary for ladies to actually give chocolates or sweets to the men in their lives on Valentine’s Day, which differs from how western countries celebrate it.
Girls would give both tomo-choco to their girlfriends, obligatory chocolates known as giri-choco to colleagues and male friends, and handmade or fancier honmei-choco to their romantic partners.
Started by Japan’s National Confectionary Industry Association in 1978, White Day was created in response to Valentine’s Day.
It is the boys’ turn to give cookies and candies to their female friends, and for their romantic partner – fancier items like expensive chocolates or even jewellery. It is also common for guys to make the gifts themselves.
The colour white was chosen as it evoked the notions of purity and sweetness of love, plus it was the colour of sugar – which is the common ingredient for confectionaries.
So why was White Day created?
The idea is to allow both sides to reciprocate their love, be it in the form of gifts or going on a romantic date together.
Since tradition has it for girls to do the giving, the confection company wanted a special day where boys could in turn show their appreciation as well.
White Day has become so popular that the celebration of this holiday has now spread to other East Asian nations like South Korea, and even Taiwan.
So should you celebrate White Day?
If you’re looking to return your appreciation to your partner or even friends who’ve given you something on Valentine’s Day, why not take part in this well-meaning occasion.
And in celebration of this day, Her World Brides have worked with The Bloom Box in curating this dreamy White Valentine’s Day-inspired Bloom Box worth $35 each.
The Bloom Box shares the joy of gifting by offering boxes of blooms that are affordable and suitable for all occasions.
This special edition features Sweet Sara Spray Roses, Baby’s Breath and Dusty Miller for a whimsical ensemble.
Best of all, we have 3 White Valentine’s Day Bloom Box to give away!
For a chance to win, just head over to our Instagram account @herworldbrides and do the following:
- Follow @herworldbrides and @thebloomboxsg
- Comment below and let us know why you’d love to win this White Valentine’s Day Bloom Box with the hashtag #herworldbridesgiveawa
y, #thebloomboxsg. - Tag your loved ones and spread the love!
Contest ends Mar 21, 2018 winners will be contacted via Instagram.