February trivia quiz: three-choice questions on seasonal fun facts like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day

Rose

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is generally seen as a day when women give chocolate to men, but in Thailand it’s common for men to give roses to the woman they truly care about. In Thailand, Valentine’s Day is considered more important than Christmas, and many couples even file their marriage registration on this day.

gummy (candy)

When it comes to Valentine’s gifts, chocolate is the classic choice, but people sometimes give cookies or candy as well. However, each type of sweet given on Valentine’s Day carries its own meaning, and there are some you should be careful with if you want to express affection. At the top of that list is gummy candy. Gummy candy can carry the meaning “I don’t like you.”

naked

When it comes to famous festivals in Okayama Prefecture, there’s the Kanayama-ji Eyo. It’s also known as the Naked Festival, where participants compete to seize a sacred wooden talisman. Whoever gets hold of it earns the title of “Lucky Man.” Although it’s called the Naked Festival, being completely nude would be a problem, of course. Rest assured, participants properly wear mawashi loincloths and tabi socks.

Because cutting (it) would sever the ties/relationship.

When Setsubun comes around, there is a custom of checking the year’s lucky direction and eating an Ehomaki without cutting it. The reason for not cutting the Ehomaki is to wish that good fortune won’t escape and ties won’t be severed. There are various theories, but it’s said to have started with merchants in the Edo period eating thick sushi rolls on Setsubun to pray for prosperous business.

seaweed (specifically nori, the edible dried seaweed used in Japanese cuisine)

February 6 has been designated as Nori Day by the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations for Seaweed and Shellfish. Nori is known as a specialty product of Japan and is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also said to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases, so it’s something we should actively include in our diets.

kamakura (snow hut/igloo)

The Kamakura Snow Festival held in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is a ceremony dedicated to the water deity. During the festival, nearly 100 snow huts are built mainly in the city center. Children sit inside the kamakura to serve sweet amazake and pray for family safety and business prosperity.

soba

The soba eaten on Setsubun is called “Setsubun soba.” In the Edo period, spring was considered the start of the year, so this custom became widespread across the country, but it gradually declined after the switch to the Gregorian calendar. Today, it is mainly eaten in Nagano and Shimane, regions known for producing soba.