National White Day

A joyful child dressed in white, surrounded by white flowers, playing in a white sand beach.. — National white day illustration

Ah, National White Day! A day dedicated to celebrating all things white. Whether it's the color, the foods, or even the white fluffy clouds in the sky, this is a day to embrace the purity and brightness that white brings. Let's dive into the fascinating story behind this unique national day.

When is White Day?

It's national white day on the 4th January.

The Surprisingly Diverse Origins of National White Day

Contrary to what you might think, National White Day has nothing to do with White Walkers from Game of Thrones or albino animals. No, no. This day actually originated in Japan as a response to Valentine's Day. In Japan, Valentine's Day is all about women giving gifts to men. But fear not, dear gentlemen! White Day, celebrated on March 14th, is when men repay the favor by giving gifts (often white-colored) to the women who bestowed their affection upon them on Valentine's Day.

Now, you might be wondering why white? Well, white is considered a symbol of purity and innocence in Japan. And while it may have started as a marketing ploy by confectionery companies, it has now become a cultural phenomenon where men give chocolates, flowers, and other white-themed gifts to express their gratitude and affection towards their loved ones.

Since its introduction in Japan, National White Day has gained popularity worldwide, with people from all walks of life celebrating the thoughtfulness and reciprocity it represents.

Fun Fact: White Rabbits and Broken Pens

Did you know that in Japan, it's considered good luck to dream of a white rabbit on National White Day? It's believed to bring fortune and prosperity. So, if you manage to catch some z's and see a fluffy white bunny hopping around, you might just hit the jackpot! Also, it's tradition for men to give women gifts on White Day that are at least double the value of what they received on Valentine's Day. So much pressure to break that piggy bank!

History behind the term 'White'

725 Old English origins

The term 'white' has its roots in Old English, stemming from the word 'hwīt.' In Old English, 'hwīt' meant bright, radiant, or clear. This original meaning highlighted the visual quality of the color, associating it with light and purity.

circa 9000 BCE

The Emergence of White as a Color

In the earliest stages of human civilization, the concept of color started to become an important part of communication. White, being one of the primary colors, began to emerge as a distinct shade. It was associated with purity, brightness, and light, all of which played a significant role in shaping human perception and cultural beliefs.

Old English Period (450-1100)

The Origins of 'White'

The term 'white' traces its roots back to the Old English period, which spanned from the 5th to the 11th century. Derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'hwītaz,' which means 'bright' or 'shining,' 'white' originally referred to a color that radiated light. In this early stage, the term had a broader meaning than the color we associate with 'white' today. It encompassed various shades from pale yellow to gray.

1st century AD

Ancient Roman conception

The term 'white' traces its origins back to the ancient Romans. During this time, the Latin word 'albus' was used to describe the color white. The Romans held the color white in high regard, associating it with purity, innocence, and beauty. They often used white as a symbolic color, such as in their religious ceremonies and festivals.

19th century

Origin of the term 'white'

The term 'white' is derived from the Old English word 'hwīt', which also existed in other Germanic languages. Initially, it referred to the color white, symbolizing purity, lightness, and innocence. The concept of whiteness was deeply influenced by cultural and historical contexts, often associated with power, hierarchy, and racial superiority in later years.

16th century

Origins of the term 'white'

The term 'white' originated in the 16th century and finds its roots in the Old English word 'hwit', which means the color of milk or fresh snow. In various Germanic languages, the word 'hwit' evolved into 'weiss' in German, 'wit' in Dutch, and 'hvitr' in Old Norse. It has been used to describe the color of lightness, purity, and innocence.

17th century

Emergence of scientific racial categorization

In the 17th century, European scholars began developing scientific racial categorization. They laid the groundwork for racial theories that categorized people based on physical characteristics, including skin color. This period witnessed a shift where the term 'white' became associated with a specific racial group, primarily Europeans and those of European descent.

5th century

White as a symbol of nobility

In the Middle Ages, the color white took on a new significance and became associated with wealth and privilege. Only the highest-ranking members of society, such as kings, queens, and nobles, were allowed to wear white clothing. This association of white with nobility persisted for several centuries, further cementing its cultural impact.

14th century

Symbolism and associations

Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, the term 'white' gained symbolic significance in various cultures. It became associated with innocence, virtue, and virginity due to its association with light, cleanliness, and a lack of impurities. White clothing or attire became linked to ceremonies, celebrations, and important milestones in life.

Middle English Period (1100-1500)

Expansion of Meanings and Social Associations

During the Middle English period, which lasted from the 11th to the 15th century, the term 'white' began to acquire additional meanings and social associations. Beyond its original connection to brightness, 'white' gained connotations of purity, innocence, and lightness. This evolution was influenced by cultural and religious factors, such as the symbolism of white clothing in Christian ceremonies and the association of white with purity in medieval literature and art.

19th century

Association with privilege

In the 19th century, the term 'white' started to be associated with social and racial privilege. The concept of 'whiteness' emerged, codifying racial hierarchies and establishing white people as the superior race. This association influenced colonialism and imperialistic agendas, further entrenching the idea of white superiority.

circa 4000 BCE

White in Ancient Civilizations

As civilizations started to flourish, white gained even more significance. In ancient Egypt, for example, white became associated with purity, cleanliness, and high social status. It was often used in clothing worn by prominent individuals as a symbol of their elevated position in society. Similar associations were observed in other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Indus Valley.

18th century

Racialization of whiteness in colonialism

During the height of European colonialism in the 18th century, the concept of whiteness took on a stronger racial connotation. It became intertwined with the assertion of dominance and the justification of European colonial rule over non-white populations. Whiteness became a marker of privilege, power, and superiority, further reinforcing racial hierarchies and social divisions.

20th century

Racial segregation

During the 20th century, the term 'white' became integral to systems of racial segregation and discrimination. It was used to enforce legal and societal divisions between white and non-white individuals, particularly prevalent in countries like the United States and South Africa. 'White-only' spaces were created, perpetuating systemic inequalities.

Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries)

European Exploration and Colonialism

The term 'white' took on new dimensions during the Age of Exploration, a period spanning the 15th to the 17th centuries, when European powers embarked on global expeditions and colonization. Here, 'white' became entangled with notions of racial superiority and imperialism. It became a racial categorization, applied primarily to individuals of European descent, in contrast to indigenous populations encountered by explorers in various parts of the world.

15th century

White as a symbol of purity and innocence

During the Renaissance period, the concept of white as a symbol of purity and innocence gained prominence. This association can be seen in various works of art from this era, where white was often used to depict angels, virtuous characters, and religious figures. The symbolism of white as pure and innocent continues to influence our cultural perception of the color.

5th Century BCE

White in Greek Philosophy

The philosophical musings of ancient Greeks brought forth new perspectives on color, including white. Greek thinkers such as Empedocles and Aristotle explored the nature of colors and their relationship to light. White was considered an 'achromatic' color, devoid of hue, and linked to concepts like purity, simplicity, and clarity of thought.

15th century

White as a social status

During the 15th century, 'white' became associated with social status and power. In many European societies, white was considered a luxurious color, often associated with the upper class. Only the wealthy could afford to wear and maintain white clothing, as it was more prone to dirt and required meticulous care.

19th century

White in fashion

In the 19th century, white became a fashionable color, particularly for women's clothing. This trend can be attributed to the influence of Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding gown for her marriage in 1840. The popularity of white in fashion continued to grow, with white garments being associated with elegance, refinement, and social status.

Enlightenment Period (18th century)

Scientific Racism and the Construction of Whiteness

In the 18th century, during the Enlightenment period, the concept of 'whiteness' as a racial category solidified further due to the rise of scientific racism. Scholars and philosophers began to develop racially hierarchal theories, associating whiteness with superiority and moral virtues. These ideas contributed to the construction of a social hierarchy that positioned 'whiteness' above other racial identities, which persisted and influenced societal structures for centuries to come.

14th Century CE

White in European Art

During the Renaissance period, white found a prominent place in European art. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo extensively used white pigments, such as lead white, in their artwork to depict drapery, create highlights, and convey a sense of ethereality. White became an integral part of the visual language of painting and continues to play a vital role in art aesthetics.

19th century

Whiteness as a marker of racial purity

In the 19th century, the idea of whiteness as a marker of racial purity gained prominence. This concept was particularly prevalent in the United States, where laws and social norms aimed to preserve and protect the purity of the white race. The term 'white' was used to exclude non-white individuals from various rights, privileges, and opportunities.

1960s

Civil Rights Movement and redefinition

In the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement challenged the systemic racism embedded in the term 'white'. Activists fought for racial equality, leading to a redefinition of what it means to be 'white'. The concept of whiteness started to be deconstructed, as people recognized the inherent bias and privilege associated with the term.

19th century

White's connection to colonialism

In the 19th century, the term 'white' took on a new dimension as it became intertwined with colonialism and racism. European colonization propagated the belief in white supremacy, asserting the dominance and perceived superiority of white people over other races. This dangerous perspective led to discrimination, oppression, and racism that persisted for many years.

20th century

White in modern art and design

In the 20th century, white took on new meanings in the world of art and design. Artists like Kazimir Malevich explored the concept of 'pure' white in their works, breaking away from traditional representations. White also became synonymous with modern minimalism and simplicity in design, as exemplified by the iconic white architecture of the Bauhaus movement. Today, white continues to be a powerful symbol in various domains, representing concepts such as purity, minimalism, and elegance.

18th Century CE

White as Symbolism and Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment brought new connotations to the color white. It became associated with reason, purity of thought, and rationality. Philosophers like John Locke and Immanuel Kant used 'white' metaphors to illustrate abstract concepts, further solidifying its cultural significance as a symbol of clarity and intellectual illumination.

20th century

White as a racial identity

Throughout the 20th century, 'white' became more commonly used as a racial identity, particularly in the United States. It became an identifier for people of European descent, differentiating them from other racial groups. The concept of 'whiteness' evolved, both as a social construct and as a tool to uphold systemic discrimination.

Modern Times

Cultural Symbolism and Contemporary Meanings

In modern times, the term 'white' retains multifaceted meanings and symbolisms. Besides its literal color representation, 'white' has become associated with concepts such as purity, innocence, cleanliness, and neutrality. Furthermore, the understanding of whiteness in relation to race has evolved as discussions around racial identity and privilege continue to shape society. Today, the idea of race is deeply entwined with notions of whiteness and its implications on power dynamics and societal structures.

21st century

Acknowledging white privilege

In the 21st century, discussions around white privilege and the impact of whiteness continue to evolve. The term 'white' is often used to acknowledge and dismantle white privilege, emphasizing the importance of recognizing systemic advantages that white individuals can experience based solely on their race. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work towards creating a more equitable society.

20th century

Struggles for racial equality and civil rights

The 20th century witnessed significant struggles for racial equality and civil rights. The term 'white' became central to discussions about systemic racism, privilege, and discrimination. Movements such as the Civil Rights Movement in the United States challenged the oppressive structures surrounding whiteness and fought for equal rights and opportunities for all races.

21st century

White privilege and racial discussions

In recent times, the term 'white' has become linked to the concept of white privilege, which acknowledges the advantages that white individuals may experience due to their racial identity. The 21st century has seen increased conversations surrounding race, leading to greater awareness and understanding about the impact of whiteness in society.

20th Century CE

White in Modern Society

In the 20th century, white continued to make its mark in various domains. It became synonymous with peace and neutrality, as seen in the white flag representing surrender or truce. White also gained prominence in fashion, symbolizing elegance, simplicity, and bridal purity. Additionally, the concept of 'white' was examined through the lens of race, leading to important discussions on racial identity and inequality.

Did you know?

Did you know that in Japan, it's considered good luck to dream of a white rabbit on National White Day? It's believed to bring fortune and prosperity.