Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day

Ah, the Love Day is upon us!
Dustin and I didn't have any specific plans to celebrate. I had to work, he was still getting over the jet lag.

In Japan, Valentine's Day has a similar meaning to relationships. Custom dictates that only women give chocolates to men. Gifts such as greeting cards, candies, flowers, or dinner are uncommon. If a woman is brave enough she will give chocolate to a man she likes on Valentine's Day and hope that he reciprocates on White Day. (More on that in a minute.)

Many women feel obliged to give chocolates to all male co-workers, but in some environments is inappropriate. Giri-choko is obligation chocolate and is what most co-workers will give. This doesn't have the same romantic meaning. I asked at work if you could tell the difference when buying chocolate and didn't get a clear response. To me, the cardboard hearts filled with chocolate all look the same.

Friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko or friend chocolate.

So now on to White Day. March 14 is the time when men will reciprocate if they feel the same. Custom dictates that their gift must be three times in value of the original chocolate. This usually means jewelry.

Does this mean if I buy Dustin a small television he has to get me a car?!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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