Children's Day
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Children's Day is a holiday in many countries around the world.
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International Children's Day
The International Children's Day is celebrated in numerous countries, usually (but not always) on June 1 each year.
The ICD had its origin in the World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children in Geneva, Switzerland in 1925. It is not clear as to why June 1 was chosen as the ICD: one theory has it that the Chinese consul-general in San Francisco (USA) gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in 1925, which happened to be on June 1 that year, and also coincided with the conference in Geneva.
June 1 has since been observed as the ICD by numerous countries, especially by Communist countries; in the Western world the ICD is usually celebrated on other days of the year (if at all), and there are often little public awareness about these celebrations. (See the section on Germany below for further discussions.) Consequently there is sometimes a misperception that June 1 as the ICD was a Communist invention. Nonetheless, in recent years even some groups within the United States started observing the ICD on June 1.
Japan
Children's Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no hi) is one of the holidays in Japan. It is celebrated on May 5 each year, when Japan celebrate their children's growth on that day. Before World War II, it was called as "Tangonosekku" (端午の節句) and it was a festival for boys. But in 1948, when the festival became an official holiday, it became a holiday for wishing all children's happiness and welfare.
Children's Day is commemorated in Japan by flying flags in the shape of carp against the wind, symbolizing a child's determination to thrive against adversities.
South Korea
South Korean Children's Day (어린이날 ; Eorininal) was created in 1975 as a change from Boy's Day. It is an official holiday throughout the Republic of Korea. This is celebrated on May 5. Families usually make outings to children's parks, amusement parks, zoos, or other child friendly locations.
Germany
During the Cold War, the Children's Day (Kindertag) was handled quite differently in the two states. So, the date was different (GDR: Juni 1st, FRG: September, 20th), the name was slightly different (GDR: "International Children's Day" ("internationaler Kindertag"), FRG: "World Children's Day" ("Weltkindertag")), and most notably: the customs were different.
In the GDR, the holiday was intruduced in 1950, and was from then on a yearly highlight for the children. On this day of the year, one typically received congratulations and presents from one's parents and did special activities in school, such as field trips and the like. In the FRG, Children's Day did not have such meaning to the children, and was even mostly unknown to many people.
Since the affiliation in 1990, the date and name used in the FRG have become the official ones for the former GDR as well. This however was not accepted by large parts of the former GDR population, so that still many parents celebrate with their kids on the former date, June 1st, and even Children's Day public events take place on the old date.
India
In India, the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru is celebrated as Children's Day every year, on November 14.
Turkey
April 23 is the "National Sovereignity and Children's Day" in Turkey. The date commemorates the opening of Turkish National Assembly in 1920 during the Turkish Independence War. The designation of Children's Day came in 1929 upon the recommendation of the Institution of Children's Protection. Since 1986 the Turkish government organizes an international children's festival on April 23.
Thailand
The second Saturday of January is Children's Day in Thailand.
Hong Kong
April 4, which is different from the day for her sovereign state, China. The April 4 Children's Day is not an official holiday in Hong Kong. The parents celebrate the day with their children mainly with a nice dinner, toys and gifts.
Singapore
October 1 is the day which Singapore officially celebrates Children's Day, a similar event celebrated every year is Youth Day which is celebrated on the first Sunday of July each year.
Taiwan (Republic of China)
The Republic of China administering Taiwan designates Children's Day (兒童節) on April 4, pursuant to Article 5 of the Order to Implement Commemoration Days and Holidays (紀念日及節日實施辦法 (http://law.moj.gov.tw/Scripts/Query4A.asp?FullDoc=all&Fcode=D0020033)). Related institutions, groups and schools often hold celebrating actitivies. It is not a legal holiday.de:Kindertag nds:Kinnerdag zh:儿童节 ja:こどもの日 ko:어린이날