How many can you solve? Test your spring knowledge with a trivia quiz about March!

Japan

White Day originated in the 1970s when a Japanese confectionery company proposed it as part of a promotional campaign. The custom of men who received chocolate on Valentine’s Day giving white-colored sweets or gifts in return on March 14, one month later, is unique to Japan and later spread to other countries.

heart

There are various theories about the origin of the shape of hishi-mochi, and one of them says it represents a “heart.” The reasons for this also vary, which is surprising, isn’t it? By the way, the pink in hishi-mochi is said to ward off evil, white signifies purity, and green represents health.

Because it's the button closest to the heart.

The custom of giving away the second button at graduation stems from the idea that the second button on a school uniform jacket (gakuran) sits closest to the heart. By giving the part closest to one’s heart—symbolically, “giving one’s heart”—students present it to someone they have feelings for. Considered a romantic confession, this practice has spread within Japanese student culture.

A day to praise nature and cherish living beings

The Vernal Equinox Day is one of Japan’s national holidays, founded on the principle of “praising nature and cherishing all living things.” It is set around the time of the vernal equinox, when day and night are nearly equal in length. In celebration, it is regarded as a day to give thanks for nature’s bounty and to renew our commitment to valuing the lives of all living beings.

Insects Awaken

The correct answer was “Keichitsu.” Keichitsu falls around March 5th according to the fixed solar term method. “Kei” means “to open,” and “chitsu” refers to insects hibernating in the earth, expressing the feeling of spring when the ground warms and living creatures begin to be active.

Hina-arare (colorful rice crackers for Hinamatsuri)

A representative sweet eaten during Hinamatsuri is hina-arare. These are colorful rice crackers in white, pink, and green, and they come in various shapes and flavors. The colors evoke the image of the Peach Festival, and they are enjoyed as a treat that brings a sense of spring.

salty

The cherry leaves used for sakuramochi are often lightly salted, so the leaves themselves have a briny taste. This salty flavor enhances the sweetness of the sakuramochi, allowing you to enjoy its distinctive taste.