Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is a great chance for men to give their loved women gifts (chocolates and flowers) in Western countries. However, in Japan, on Valentine’s Day it is only the women who give chocolates to the men. In return the men will send chocolates back to the women on “White Day”March 14^th.
Women giving chocolates to their loved ones is called “Honmei-choko” (本命チョコ), otherwise chocolate given to others is called “Giri-choko” (義理チョコ). In recent years, “Ziko-choko” (自己チョコ) is gaining popularity, which means buy chocolates for oneself. This is very popular among young girls.

In China, Valentine’s Day used to be called “七夕节(qi xi jie)”, but now is more comonly said as“情人节(qing ren jie)”, means only for the true lovers or married couples. Similar to the West, the men buy gifts to their loved women or invite her for a romantic dinner. This year, many city halls in China announced to refuse requests by divorcing couples on Valentine’s Day.

I am sure the adults who want to send presents on Valentine’s Day most likely will choose to buy those gifts. However, last weekend, I had my first experience helping a group of elementary school girls to make their own chocolates for their teachers and friends. It is impressive that they spent almost the whole day preparing materials, cooking and wrapping the chocolate with cute stickers and ribbons.