How is Children's Day Celebrated Throughout the World?

In planning our next term's activities with our guiding unit, one of the guides suggested that we celebrate Children's Day on June 1^st as her family does in Poland. She told us this is a day when parents give children gifts, schools put on special events such as outdoor plays or field trips, special food is prepared and it is generally classed as a Holiday.

This prompted me to research into how Children's Day is celebrated throughout the world. All around the world, Children's Day is celebrated at different times and in different ways. Other countries that celebrate Children's Day on June 1^st include Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Children's Day in January: On the second Saturday in January, Thailand celebrate their National Children's Day. Children are looked on as valuable resources of the nation and are encouraged to take part in the celebrations. It is usually a custom each year for the Prime Minster to give Children's Day a theme. Also, to prepare themselves to be strong for their nation, children are taught to be disciplined, diligent and serious about their studies. They learn about keeping their country clean, respecting the natural environment and behaving in a worthy manner to promote prosperity for their country.

In March, Children's Day is celebrated on the 21^st in Tunisia when children's rights are respected, it is remembered that children are the builders of the future and child-centred events and activities are enjoyed.

April 23^rd is known officially as National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey when ceremonies and events throughout the country celebrate children. Schools are decorated and children wear special outfits. Also, during their annual international Children's Day Festival, children from different countries march through the streets of towns and cities in their national dress, performing native dances. Mexico also celebrate Children's Day (El Dia Del Nino) at the end of April.

In May Children's Day (Kodomo no hi) which is a national holiday is celebrated on the 5^th, in Japan when the focus is on children while mothers too are honoured. May 5^th was traditionally Boy's Day in Japan and families might hang carp kites or carp-shaped streamers outside their houses for each son. The carp (or koi) represents strength, courage and determination in Japan. Boys might also wear a Samurai helmet, symbolizing strength and courage on Children's Day.

Japanese Girl's Day is traditionally March 3^rd which is when sets of hina dolls are displayed around the house representing the parents' wishes for their daughters to live a happy and healthy life. Children's events are held on May 5^th including a 'Kids' Olympics' at the National Kasumigaoka Stadium in Tokyo.

The Spanish also celebrate children in May, usually the second Sunday of the month. In Sweden, Children's Day is celebrated on May 13^th and also observed in October.

It was in 1925 that the World Conference for the Well being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland announced June 1^st to be International Children's day. This holiday is celebrated on 1^st June every year in Slovakia. It is usually marked with speeches on children's rights and wellbeing, parties and family activities dedicated to children.

Children's Day during the Latter Half of the Year: July 24^th is when Children's Day is celebrated in Vanuata. Marches are held along with speeches and other activities celebrating a child's right to express their opinions.

In August, Children's Day is celebrated in Uruguay when parents, aunts and uncles give children presents

September 9^th is when Children's Day is celebrated in Costa Rica while in El Salvador the celebration takes place on October 1^st. On November 20^th festivals and activities for children are celebrated in Egypt while Finland too, marks Children's Day in November. In Suriname Universal Children's Day will be celebrated on November 20^th, this year. The United Nations, by the resolution of the national assembly in 1954 proclaimed 20^th November as Universal Children's Day.

Throughout the world our children are celebrated in different ways, either with their own special National or International Day or as some countries who do not have a specific date for the celebration will say: every day is Children's Day. To see the real objective of celebrating Children's Day fulfilled, the rights of the child should be observed every day of the year, all around the world.

Sources

http://japanesefood.about.com/od/holidaytraditionalfood/a/girlsdayparty.htm

http://www.turkeycentral.com/articles/featured_article.php?article_id=46

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children's_Day

http://www.bank-holidays.com/holidays_2011_167.htm

http://www.thailandlife.com/thai-festivals/national-childrens-day.html