How to Celebrate White Day

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 References

White Day is a great opportunity to show appreciation to all the special women in your life and to have some fun too. In Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan, women give handmade gifts, including chocolate and cookies, to their male colleagues and friends on Valentine’s Day. One month later, on March 14th, White Day is celebrated. On this holiday, the men return or “answer” the women who gave them gifts on Valentine’s Day by presenting them with gifts of their own.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Organized for the Holiday

1
Make a list of gifts you receive for Valentine’s Day. On White Day, you should give a return gift to anyone who presented you with a gift on Valentine’s Day. This includes female friends and colleagues as well as that special someone. Be sure to keep track of what you are given on Valentine’s Day so that you don’t forget to return gifts to all the ladies on White Day.^{[1]
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2
Decide which gifts were “giri” and which were “honmei.” “Giri-choco” means “obligatory chocolate,” and is given to male colleagues, teachers, family members, and friends. “Honmei-choco” means “true love chocolate” and is of a higher quality. It is given to a romantic partner or to a person one wishes to be involved with.^{[2]
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3
Save up money. Traditionally, men should give each woman a gift worth three times the value of the gift they received themselves! This means you may want to save your money in order to get nice gifts for all the women who gave one to you, or risk offending them.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Choosing Gifts

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Pick something white. Traditionally, gifts given on White Day should be white in color.^{[4]
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Research source} Think of fun ideas, such as white chocolate for “giri” gifts or even white lingerie for your lover. Alternatively, you can use white gift wrap paper or a white gift bag, and tie it with some pretty ribbons.
2
Make your intentions clear. You should give a gift to each woman who gave one to you, but be sure to let the woman know if you want to be just friends or something more. Return “giri” gifts with similar items, such as Poko or candy. Choose something special for a “honmei” gift, such as a purse or jewelry.^{[5]
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- If a woman gives you a “honmei” gift and you don’t share her feelings, it is customary to let her down gently by explaining your feelings in person or even in a note, and presenting her with a gift that equals the value of what she got for you.^{[6]
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3
Give sweets. Marshmallows, chocolate, cookies, and other sweets are very popular gifts for White Day.^{[7]
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Research source} Choose some delicious treats to show your affection for female friends. To make the gift even more meaningful, make the sweets yourself.
4
Deliver flowers. White flowers such as lilies, peonies, and orchids are perfect White Day gifts. Alternatively, you can give a woman her favorite kind of flower to show how much you care.^{[8]
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Choose a stuffed animal. A soft, white stuffed animal is a great White Day gift for younger girls. A teddy bear is a popular choice, or you can choose her favorite animal.^{[9]
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Pick bath accessories. Perfume, body mist, lotion, scented soap, or candles are nice White Day gifts. Choose something with a sweet smell and a pretty label.^{[10]
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Present jewelry. White gold or platinum jewelry fits with the white theme. However, only present expensive gifts such as jewelry to that one lucky lady in your life, rather than a friend.^{[11]
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8
Go on a date with your significant other. This special day is the perfect opportunity to go out. Eat at a nice restaurant, go to the movies, or visit a museum or art gallery. Enjoy spending some time with the one you love on White Day.

Community Q&A

Question

Do Americans celebrate White Day?

Community Answer

Yes, some Americans do celebrate White Day. Though it originated as a Japanese holiday, many different cultures now celebrate White Day.
Question

Is this how White Day is authentically celebrated by the Japanese?

Community Answer

Yes. This is basically how White Day is celebrated by any country that celebrates this holiday.
Question

Which country was the first to celebrate White Day?

Community Answer

Japan was the first country to celebrate White Day, and it soon spread to neighboring countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, and China.