In Japan, you won’t see any men gifting their ladies with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Rather, the tradition is for the women to shower the men with sweet gifts. Two types of chocolate dominate the holiday: “Giri-choco” (obligation chocolate) is gifted to friends, colleagues, bosses and platonic male friends, while “Honmei-choco” is reserved for boyfriends, lovers, or husbands. We are sure these ladies are careful to get it right! Though the treats are available pre-made in stores, many women choose to make them themselves in what they believe is a sign of true love. But don’t worry—it isn’t a totally thankless act. A month later, on “White Day,” men return the love with gifts of their own — often, appropriately, white chocolate.
MORE: Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around The World