Valentine’s Day is a special day for most people to celebrate a union or relationship. It’s a day to celebrate love and affection between couples or intimate companions.
White Day is also a special day that most people may not be familiar with. It’s a holiday celebrated a month after Valentine’s Day on March 14. White Day is a special day that is celebrated in Japan.
The special holiday is also celebrated in places like South Korea and Taiwan. Valentine’s Day and White Day are special days for people to celebrate.
Valentine’s Day is a special day where women are supposed to gift men with chocolate, while men are expected to give women three times more gifts than they received the previous month on White Day.
We have discussed more about the differences between Valentine’s Day vs White Day in this article.
What Is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day is a special day usually celebrated on February 14 each year. Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr called Valentine.
Valentine’s Day is a special day recognized for celebrating romance and love in different regions of the world.
There are several stories associated with many Saint Valentines connected to the February 14 date. There is an account of the imprisonment of Saint Valentine of Rome for preaching the gospel to Christians.
It’s believed that Saint Valentine performs various miracles. Saint Valentine was believed to have restored the sight of the blind daughter of his jailer.
Valentine’s Day is a special day celebrated on February 14 in several Christian denominations. It has today become a special day of celebration for people to share gifts and show affection.
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What Is a White Day?
White Day is usually celebrated on March 14, a month after Valentine’s Day. It’s a special day for people to share gifts with those who gave them gifts on February 14.
White Day first began in Japan in 1978. Today, it’s a special day celebrated in other Asian countries like South Korea and Taiwan. White Day has also spread to other countries of the world.
Valentine’s Day was first attempted to be celebrated in Japan in the late 1930s. Valentine was not widely celebrated in Japan until the 1970s.
Ishimuramanseido, a Fukuoka-based confectionery company initiated the marketing strategy to sell marshmallows to men on March 14, hence the date became Marshmallow Day. It was in 1977 when the company decided to sell marshmallows to men on that day, calling it Marshmallow Day.
White Day was celebrated in Japan for the first time in 1978. The National Confectionery Industry Association initiated “White Day” as an “answer day” to Valentine’s Day. The purpose of starting the White Day was for men to pay back the gifts given to them by women.
Men are supposed to repay women for the gifts they receive on Valentine’s Day.
White Day may not be a popular day of celebration in Western culture. It remains a special day for women who gave gifts to men on Valentine’s Day to receive theirs.
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Valentine’s Day vs White Day: Key Differences between Valentine’s Day and White Day
Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day is a special day usually celebrated on February 14 each year. Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr called Valentine.
White Day is usually celebrated on March 14, a month after Valentine’s Day. It’s a special day for people to share gifts with those who gave them gifts on February 14.
Several stories are associated with many Saint Valentines connected to the February 14 date. There is an account of the imprisonment of Saint Valentine of Rome for preaching the gospel to Christians.
It’s believed that Saint Valentine performs various miracles. Saint Valentine was believed to have restored the sight of the blind daughter of his jailer.
White Day first began in Japan in 1978. Today, it’s a special day celebrated in other Asian countries like South Korea and Taiwan. White Day has also spread to other countries of the world.
Ishimuramanseido, a Fukuoka-based confectionery company initiated the marketing strategy to sell marshmallows to men on March 14, hence the date became Marshmallow Day. It was in 1977 when the company decided to sell marshmallows to men on that day, calling it Marshmallow Day.
The tradition of Valentine’s Day involves a wide range of celebratory practices- from romantic dinners to heartfelt gestures, and expressing love and affection to rekindle a union or relationship.
In contrast, White Day was initiated as a marketing strategy in Japan in the late 1970s and has since evolved into a cultural tradition where men are expected to repay women with gifts. Men who receive gifts from women on Valentine’s Day must show the same act of kindness to women on a White Day.
Valentine’s Day vs White Day: Comparison Chart
| Valentine’s Day | White Day | |
| Definition | A special day celebrated on February 14 each year. | A day is usually celebrated on March 14, a month after Valentine’s Day. |
| Origin | western tradition with ancient Roman and Christian roots | Originated in Asia, in Japan in 1978 as a marketing strategy |
| Date | February 14 | March 14 |
| Regions celebrated | All over the world, especially among Christians | Mainly celebrated in the Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. |
| Who gives gifts | It can be men or women | Men |
| Typical gits | Chocolate, cards, flowers, and red-themed | White-themed gifts such as white chocolate, marshmallows, and jewellery. |
| Cultural significance | A global celebration of love and affection | Primarily celebrated in East Asia countries (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan) |
Valentine’s Day vs White Day: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions about the difference between Valentine’s Day vs White Day.
Why is White Day celebrated?
White Day is a day of celebration and an opportunity for men to repay women with gifts.
What is a White Day?
A White Day is usually celebrated on March 14, a month after Valentine’s Day.
What distinguishes White Day gifts?
White Day gifts are usually white-themed like a bar of white chocolate, marshmallow, and jewellery.
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What is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day is a special day usually celebrated on February 14 each year.
How did Valentine’s Day originate?
Valentine’s Day origins are connected to ancient Roman festivals and the honouring of a Christian martyr named Valentine.
What are common Valentine’s gifts?
They include flowers, chocolates, cards, and other valuable gifts often wrapped in red.