BREWED 2018 Second Issue 2017-2018 | Page 35

"It’s the woman who gives a romantic gift to her significant other" Many Asian countries reverse the roles of men and women on Valentine’s day. In Japan, China and South Korea, it’s the woman who gives a romantic gift to her significant other. In Japan, women are giving chocolate to men. It has a different meaning, depending on the relationship between the two. They have “giri-choco” which is given as a courtesy. What they would give to friends is called “tomo-choco”, literally meaning “friendship chocolate”. Last but not least is the chocolate that is being given to the man for whom the giver has romantic feelings, it’s the “honmei-choco” or “favorite chocolate”. In order to keep the balance, they also celebrate “White day” on the 14th of March . On that day, men are the ones who give presents. When it comes to the ones that are single... they have their own holiday in Korea, Black day. “Black day” is celebrated a month after “White day” and single people dress up all black, go to a restaurant and eat a specific dish of ramen noodles, covered with thick black soy sauce on top. Did you know that? 35 Everyone deserves a day of love in Asia...even the single ones