Japanese Valentine : White Day
While living in Japan it was interesting to see how our western holidays were celebrated or changed through cultural translation. While teaching English classes Sasamichicken and I learned that the Japanese have two versions of Valentines day celebrated on two different days. The second day of Valentine related activity is known as White Day or reply day on March 14th. On this day the men who received coveted honmei-choco ( 本命チョコ true feeling chocolate given to a romantic interest) are obligated to give a return gift of white chocolate worth two to three times the value of the gift they initially received the prior month. In Japan white is a symbol of purity and is generally associated in this context with what we call an innocent "puppy love" in our culture.
Stamp and pad in container are for those who letterbox. Please do not take them.
If the man does not return any gifts at all, it is considered a disdainful spurn, while simply giving the equivalent amount of chocolate they received is perceived as a sign that they wish to cut the relationship.