Countries that Mandate Women to Give Men Chocolate on Valentine’s Day

Filed in Articles by on February 7, 2024

Many people keep wondering about the countries that mandate women to give men chocolate while some think it’s not real. Here, you will discover what countries you will find women offer men chocolate on Valentine’s Day and learn about such traditions. 

Countries that Mandate Women to Give Men Chocolate

The single act of compulsorily giving out chocolate bars on Valentine’s Day might seem weird but in so many countries across the world.

It is a tradition that marks a day of celebrating St. Valentine’s. It is generally known as “Valentine’s Day” (Lover’s Day). This post will try to highlight some of these countries and keep you informed, just in case you have no idea about this.

What is the Origin of Valentine’s Day?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend says Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided unmarried men made better soldiers than those with families, he outlawed marriage.

Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, causing Claudius to order that he be put to death. Other stories suggest Valentine was killed for attempting to assist Christians in escaping Roman prisons.

It is also said that Valentine sent the first Valentine’s Day greeting. Yet another legend says Valentine fell in love while imprisoned, possibly with the jailor’s daughter who visited him.

Before his death, he is said to have written her a letter and signed it “From your Valentine.”

Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world.

February 14 marks a day of candy, flowers, greeting cards, and romantic dinners around the world.

Different parts of the world have their unique ways to celebrate St. Valentine.

The Country that Mandates Women to Give Chocolate to Men on Valentine’s Day

In this Asian country (Japan), Valentine’s Day is all about women purchasing the right amount and quality of chocolate for their husbands, boyfriends, and even male coworkers.

Two Types of Chocolates Given to Men in Japan on February 14

There are two types of chocolates given to men in Japan on February 14. One is honmei-choco, which is a prospective winner, or lovers’ chocolate. The other is giri-choco, which is obligation chocolate for platonic recipients.

Men don’t have to return the favour until a month later, on March 14, or White Day. Men are expected to give gifts at least double as valuable to women on this “reply day.”

White Day was originally launched by a marshmallow manufacturer, which tried to convince men to give these puffy white confections to women.

Now, in addition to marshmallows, men give white chocolates, white lingerie, and jewellery or other gifts in white packaging to women on March 14.

Valentine’s Day in Other Countries

United Kingdom

The celebration of Valentine’s Day is alive and well in the United Kingdom. In a tradition dating back to the Victorian era, anonymous valentines are sent to romantic interests.

Victorians believed signing their name on the card was considered bad luck. The United Kingdom also started the tradition of giving roses on Valentine’s Day. The flower is traditionally seen as the favourite of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Wales

Rather than celebrate love on February 14, residents of Wales celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and men traditionally gift women with hand-carved wooden spoons.

The tradition is based on the notion that Welsh sailors carved designs into wooden spoons while at sea to bring back to their lovers at home.

South Korea

As in Japan, women in South Korea give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day while men celebrate White Day. South Korea has a third holiday, however, known as Black Day.

Celebrated on April 14, single friends gather to eat noodles and celebrate being single. The name comes from the noodle dish, which includes white noodles in a black sauce.

Slovenia

In Slovenia, February 14 is considered a prime day for working in the fields as St. Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. Slovenians typically celebrate romance a month later, on St. Gregory’s Day, which falls on March 12

Finland and Estonia

Finland and Estonia celebrate Friend’s Day on February 14, a day for honouring both friends and significant others. Cards and gifts are still given out and can be for anyone from a best friend to a neighbour.

February 14 is also a popular day to get engaged in both countries. Additionally, Estonia has an interesting tradition for single people—they can take a ride on the Love Bus in hopes of meeting someone special.

You can make this day special to someone too. Give gifts to your loved ones and make them happy on this special day.

CSN Team.

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