Japan
By Sakura
Valentine’s Day （バレンタインデー barentain dee) in Japan is celebrated quite differently from the U.S; women give chocolates to men.
There are two “types” of chocolates. One kind is called 義理チョコ giri choko (“obligaition chocolate”) – this is the kind of chocolate that girls give to boys without any romantic feelings toward them. For example, in an office situation, a female worker would choose to give 義理チョコ giri choko to all the male coworkers.
The other kind is 本命チョコ honmee choko (“favorite chocolate”). A girl gives this type of chocolate to her real love. She could be giving 本命チョコ honmee choko to her boyfriend, but she can also take this opportunity to confess to somebody that she has a romantic feeling for him.
Not surprisingly, girls spend more money or effort to prepare the honmee choko. It could be from a top brand, such as Godiva. Or, she could spend time making her own heart-shaped chocolate pieces. On the other hand, giri choko can be something just fun and cheap that you can find at a grocery store or a convenience store.
So Valentine’s Day is the day boys receive a ton of chocolates! However, if you receive chocolates on Valentine’s Day, you are obliged to return the favor by giving the girls some gifts (usually candies) on March 14, which is called ホワイトデー howaito dee (“White Day”).
China
By Khung
In Taiwan, many young couples celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 by buying gifts for each other or going to a restaurant for a nice dinner.
Sometimes, a girl will give a boy that she likes a gift. If the boy likes the girl as well, then on March 14- we called it “White Day” (白色情人节 bái sè qíng rén jié)-he will give the girl a gift in return. (Note: Not everybody does it though)
Valentine’s Day is from Western culture. Chinese people do have their own Valentine’s Day which is on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month on the Chinese calendar. Traditionally, couples will visit a temple called “Temple of Matchmaker” and pray for happiness and future marriage. Single people also visit to pray for luck in finding love. However, nowadays most people celebrate it by buying eachother gifts or having a nice dinner just like any other holiday.
