WHITE DAY
March 14, 2007


As my very first White Day came and went, I was left chocolate-less... I mean honestly though, I didnt even get any of that giri-chocolate --obligatory chocolate that male co-workers give you just for being female and not possessing a penis. So sad for me. Wish I was a little bit cooler. j/k :) White Day is a festival that was created by a concentrated marketing effort in Japan. White Day is celebrated in Japan on March 14, one month after Valentine's Day. On Valentine's Day, women give gifts to men; on White Day, men who received chocolate on Valentine's Day return the favor and give gifts to women. The observance of Valentine's Day in Japan, particularly among students, is somewhat different than at home. Valentine's day is mainly for the girls to give chocolates (either store-bought or handmade) to the boy of their choice. There also exists the "Giri-Choco" (Japanese: 義理チョコ), which translates as "Obligatory Chocolate" that a girl will give to those close to her but has no romantic interest in such as co-workers and bosses. When White Day rolls around, it is the boy's role to return the gift in what is called "sanbai-gaeshi" (3倍返し) or "triple return", as the gift the boy gives is supposed to be three times the value of the initial gift from the girl…as the way it should be ;)

There are many theories about the origins of White Day, but according to one, the holiday began in 1965, when a marshmallow maker started marketing to men that they should pay back the women who gave them chocolate and other gifts with marshmallows. Originally it was called Marshmallow Day, and later it was changed to White Day.

Soon, the chocolate companies started realizing that they could capitalize as well on this day, and began marketing white chocolate. Now, Japanese men give both white and non-white chocolate, as well as other edible and non-edible gifts (such as jewelry, flowers, or other favors that will not be mentioned) to the women who gave them chocolate on Valentine's Day a month prior.

Interesting lil tid-bits:

33% of the men celebrating White Day give cookies as presents. Only 11% give flowers. 55% make presents other than cookies, sweets or flowers. –so practical, especially since everyone know the way to a woman’s heart is through cookies, chocolates and ice cream. Who needs flowers?!?

Almost half of the men give presents to two to three women and 29% to just one… DOESN’T THAT JUST SAY IT ALL!?!? Over ½ can’t even commit to one woman when it comes to White Day either!

The rest (19%) gives presents to more than three women. Two thirds of the men celebrating White Day give presents to their girlfriends or wives OR their wives and girlfriends.

...the dissapointment of being THAT girl that didnt get ANY chocolates lasted all of .2 seconds because I'm leaving tomorrow!!! YAY! :) Just another testament as to why boys suck! :p