I think it is interesting how Japanese Valentines Day is broken up into 2 separate days. It's also interesting that the girls give only chocolate while on white day the guys can give any sort of gift back to those from whom they received a gift on valentines. It is similar in some ways too though. For instance in both cultures its common to give smaller gifts, cheap chocolate in Japan vs cheap candy/cards in America, to friends, while reserving a more expensive gift for your romantic interest.
I think that most holidays started out with real significance and meaning to the people who celebrate them, but that over time businesses have destroyed much of this significance and turned them into consumer holidays. I feel this is true not just of holidays in Japan, but America and other parts of the world as well. Advertising goes so far as to give the impression that if you don't buy certain items such as diamonds, chocolate, flowers, etc. it means you don't care about the person or that person won't love you anymore. It's rather ridiculous really. That is why I usually tell people I don't want gifts for Christmas, my birthday, or valentines day, and that I'd rather they just go do something with me instead. I find that much more meaningful.
I know that there are many kinds of candy and chocolates in America that they don't normally sell in Japan. So if I was in Japan I'd want to participate by sharing some of these types of candy that they otherwise wouldn't get a chance to try.
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Blog 3 Part II
ReplyDeleteI would agree that our culture has made holidays way more big of a deal than they should be. However, I still like getting/ giving gifts on holidays. However, it can get expensive, and when we are students with no money, it makes it extra difficult. You are also right that businesses destroy the true meaning of what holidays are really supposed to be about.
Arakaki Natalie