Erika Kita
Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated with couples giving all sorts of gifts including heart shaped chocolate boxes, teddy bears, and red roses. However, in countries like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and other Asian countries, they have a second day to share the same festivities. The month right after February 14th, also known as Valentine’s Day, follows the lesser known White Day, on March 14th. Media such as popular anime and Korean dramas portray the importance of White Day in Asian countries and how it is celebrated.
Now why is White Day needed when there is already Valentine’s Day? While America and other countries celebrate only Valentine’s Day, where both in the relationship will express their love with gifts, Valentine’s Day in Asia is normally celebrated where only the girl will give to the guy. Then for the guy to reciprocate back, there is White Day where it is the man’s turn to give and express their love to their significant other. White Day originated in Japan in 1978 where a confectionery company in Fukuoka marketed marshmallows which turned into “Marshmallow Day” day as the original “answer day”. And since the popularization of marketing white chocolates and marshmallows on this day, the term “White Day” was made in order to give back to their significant others. Although marketing white chocolate was popular during this day, nowadays both dark and milk chocolates are also sold as well.
Understandably it should not just be women who have to give on Valentine’s Day, so having this “answer day” is a culture that is well practiced in these Asian countries. There are other celebrations as well that follow similar traditions to the holiday White Day. A celebration in Korea which follows even after White Day is Black Day. The month after White Day, on April 14th, is Black Day, which is celebrated for those who have not received any chocolates or gifts on either days and for the single individuals. Black Day in Korea is celebrated by eating a bowl of jajangmyeon which are noodles made with a thick black bean sauce, making the name “Black Day”. These unique holidays show how not only happy couples can celebrate being in love but also for the bitter single people who want to eat a bowl of noodles.
All of these traditions that stem from the original Valentine’s Day have been heavily popularized in Asian culture. Should White Day also be celebrated in America and other countries as well? Or is one day for celebrating love enough?
A senior from Mills High School explains how “Having White Day in America could be problematic. By having the two holidays, and having them both separated by gender could add to ongoing gender dysphoria” The two separate occasions of giving gifts to one’s significant other can be confusing for those who identify as LGBTQ+ where gender identity can conflict with the gender specified holidays. American or Western culture in general is very different from some Asian cultures where they have different traditions and connotations of Valentine’s Day. The emphasis of romantic relationships over other relationships in general is also prevalent throughout American culture.
Overall, having a White Day in America just like they do in Asian countries probably would not work due to cultural differences. The variety of celebrations that couples have in Asia is very different compared to American culture and the creativity of the traditions are very impressive. In the end, these holidays are just for fun and are a good way to express love for another person.
