Children's Day

Children's Day is a holiday in many countries around the world, mainly the holiday's purpose is to simply honor children.

International Children's Day

The International Children's Day (ICD) 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 is 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.

Universal Children's Day

Since December 14, 1954, United Nations and UNESCO observes 20 November as the Universal Children's Day. ^*

Germany

During the Cold War, the Children's Day (Kindertag) was handled quite differently in the two states. The date was different (GDR: June 1, FRG: September 20), 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 introduced 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 1, and even Children's Day public events take place on the old date.

Hong Kong

The Children's Day is celebrated on April 4 each year in Hong Kong.

India

In India, the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru is celebrated as Children's Day every year, on November 14. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru loved kids, and so it is his birthday that is celebrated as Childrens day in India. Because of his love for kids, Nehru was sometimes called "chacha" Nehru, since "chacha" in Hindi means, "uncle".

Venezuela

In Venezuela the Childrens Day is celebrated the third Sunday of July. And that might be a standard for other Latin American countries.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, Children's Day is celebrated on May 27. ^*

Paraguay

In Paraguay, Children's Day is celebrated on August 16, day of the infamous Battle of Acosta Ñu, where 20,000 men of the Brazilian Army crushed a Paraguayan battalion made up of 3,500 children ages six to fifteen - even though Paraguay had been already completely defeated (see more in War of the Triple Alliance). It's a national holiday, used to remember the atrocities of the Paraguayan War.

People's Republic of China

In PRC, Children's Day is celebrated on June 1. Although the elementary schools will still be open, children don't have class on this day. They will attend all kinds of organized activities to have fun.

Poland

In Poland, Children's Day is celebrated on June 1.

Romania

Children's Day is celebrated on June 1 in Romania.

Albania

Children's Day is celebrated on June 1 in Albania too.

South Korea

South Korean Children's Day (어린이날; Eorininal) was created by Bhang Jung Hwan in 1923. It was originally on May 1, later changed to May 5 in 1946. It was officially adopted by government in 1973, and became a public holiday in 1975. A common tradition is for families to usually make outings to children's parks, amusement parks, zoos, or other child friendly locations. Gifts and pocket money are also given to children on this day.

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 (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). Related institutions, groups and schools often hold celebrating actitivies. It is not a legal holiday.

Thailand

The second Saturday of January is Children's Day in Thailand.

Turkey

April 23 is the "National Sovereignty and Children's Day" (tr:23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) 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.

On April 23 of every year, children in Turkey celebrate this "Sovereignty and Children's Day" as a national holiday, and is celebrated by citizens troughout the country during ceremonies preceding the day.

Among the activities on this day, children from all around Turkey gather in the capital city, Ankara, and they replace the selected members of the Grand National Assembly. They have an elected president and prime minister and they govern Turkey for one day in order to emphasize the importance of the children in the society. In many places governmental agencies leave the authority to children symbolically for the day.

Traditionally since 1986, children come to Turkey to represent their country of origin to children of the world with artistic performances. They're housed in Turkish homes and can meet with Turkish children. This event is organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. The groups of foreign children also participate in the special session held at the Grand National Assembly.

Turkish people hope these children will remember the day for their lives and will contribute to a bound with other cultures. The internationalization is thus aimed toward Turkey's principle of, "peace at home, peace in the world", and "Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people".

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