The origin of International Children's Day, June 1st.
International Children's Day on June 1st originates from a heartbreaking event in history. On June 1st, 1942, Nazi German troops surrounded the village of Lidice (Czechoslovakia) and captured 173 men and 196 women and children. There, the Nazis massacred 66 people and sent 104 children to concentration camps; 88 died in gas chambers, and 9 others were forced into servitude. Two years later, on June 10th, 1944, Nazi Germany surrounded the town of Oradous (France), herding 400 people into a church, including many women and over 100 children, and tragically setting it on fire.
In memory of the hundreds of innocent children brutally murdered by the Nazis, in 1949 the International Federation of Democratic Women decided to designate June 1st as International Children's Day, demanding that governments take responsibility for children's lives, reduce military spending to increase funding for education, protection, and care of children and young people. Since 1950, June 1st has become Children's Day in many countries around the world.
Is Children's Day on June 1st in every country?
June 1st has become a special day for children in Vietnam and many countries around the world . However, not all countries observe June 1st as International Children's Day.
In 1954, to encourage countries to remember children and protect their rights, the United Nations proposed World Children's Day to be celebrated on November 20th each year. Although the date of November 20th was proposed, the UN allowed member states to celebrate their own Children's Day on different dates of their choosing.
Australia celebrates Children's Day on the last Wednesday of October. In Brazil, the main celebration for children is Our Lady of Aparecida Day on October 12th, a national holiday. In Turkey, April 23rd is National Sovereignty and Children's Day, also a national holiday. International Children's Day in India is on November 14th. In Japan, International Children's Day is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th.
Meanwhile, about 30 countries have chosen June 1st as International Children's Day, including Russia, China, Bulgaria, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Vietnam was the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child on February 20, 1990.
How is Children's Day celebrated in different countries?
In China, Children's Day is a holiday celebrated with various fun activities organized by schools, such as cultural performances, camping trips, and traditional games. On this occasion, some cinemas offer free tickets for children, and some tourist attractions provide discounts or free entry for children.
In Bulgaria, Children's Day is a special occasion, where children are the center of attention. Families often celebrate this day by giving gifts similar to those children receive on their birthdays and gathering together for a special dinner to show their blessing of having children in the family.
International Children's Day in Russia is celebrated with various activities such as games, sightseeing, reading, and classes at different cultural institutions, including museums and libraries. In addition, theaters and concert halls will host engaging events for children.
In Poland, Children's Day is a day of fun and entertainment for children. Many competitions, tournaments, picnics, and trips are organized to ensure they have a memorable day.
Türkiye has chosen April 23rd as National Sovereignty Day and Children's Day. This is a national holiday where children can have the opportunity to "earn" a seat in Parliament and participate symbolically in national affairs, such as electing a "president" to speak on television on behalf of the children. At celebratory events, people perform traditional dances and songs.
In Japan, Children's Day is a national holiday, celebrated annually on May 5th. On this day, families often display small statues of Samurai warriors, symbolizing strength and courage, hoping that their children will grow up to be successful, healthy, and brave.
In India, Children's Day is on November 14th, coinciding with the birthday of the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was renowned for his love and care for children.
In Vietnam, after the country gained independence, June 1st and the Mid-Autumn Festival (August 15th according to the lunar calendar) have truly become joyous celebrations for children nationwide. The first International Children's Day (June 1st, 1950) took place during the most arduous and fierce period of the Vietnamese people's resistance war against French colonialism, yet President Ho Chi Minh always thought of the children of the country and sent a congratulatory letter to them.
Since then, June 1st has become a special day for Vietnamese children. On this day, children not only receive greetings and loving gifts from their grandparents, parents, and relatives, but also receive special attention from all levels, sectors, agencies, and organizations throughout the country. Many meaningful activities are organized on International Children's Day, June 1st, with the hope of bringing joy and happiness to all children.
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