When and How is Children’s Day Celebrated Around the World
Different countries celebrate Children's Day on different dates |
International Children’s Day History
International Children’s Day holiday has been established in the 1920s – 1930s in Europe at the Geneva conference and has been celebrated annually since then on June 1st.
Later, this holiday's date coincided with the International Day for the Protection of Children, which was created by the French Women's Congress.
At that time, the effects of World War II were very clear: millions of people had died, thousands of cities' economies had collapsed, and swarms of hungry children had ended up roaming the streets. At this crucial time, in November 1949, the Women's International Democratic Federation held a meeting in Paris where a proposal to create a new holiday was made. Without further ado, the new holiday was established, and by June 1950, it was being observed in 51 different nations!
On June 1st, about a quarter of the world's population observes Children's Day. In the world today, there are about 2.6 billion minors, or about 30% of all people, according to UN statistics.
World Children’s Day History
On June 1, 1920, the first International Children's Day was celebrated in Turkey; it was subsequently adopted by Geneva during the 1925 World Conference. On the other hand, November 20 is recognized as Universal Children's Day each year.
As the day the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, November 20 is significant. The UN General Assembly also adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on this day in 1989.
Since 1990, the UN General Assembly has celebrated World Children's Day on the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Making World Children's Day relevant for their societies, communities, and countries can involve parents, teachers, nurses, and medical professionals, as well as government officials and civil society activists, religious leaders, community elders, business titans, and media moguls.
Countries Celebrate Children's Day on Different Dates
When is Children’s day celebrated in other countries?
The date of the celebration varies from one country to the next, but June 1 and November 20 are the dates that are most frequently observed in the vast majority of those.
While November 20th is typically referred to as World Children's Day or Universal Children's Day, June 1st is known as International Children's Day.
Numerous activities are held on this day all over the world, including round tables, celebration concerts, exhibitions of children's artwork, and celebrations of childhood and adolescence.
Different countries celebrate Children's Day on different dates |
Children's Day in The United States
The first or second Sunday in June has been chosen by the United States as a day to honor the youthful spirit that will shape the country's future. It also designates the entire week as Family Week.
In the US, Children's Day is not a recognized national holiday. Numerous libraries, cultural institutions, and government agencies open their doors to the public on special occasions in an effort to inspire kids to learn and read. The purpose of the holiday was originally to alert parents to their children's religious education.
Children's Day in UK
August 30 has been selected as the date in Britain. On that day, all of the school-age children in London participate in a two-day carnival that is organized.
Historically, charitable events are held on this day.The subjects of the Queen also make political statements in which they call for a revision of the government's policy.
Children's Day in India
India celebrates Children's Day on November 14 every year in honor of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation's first prime minister, who was born on that day. Numerous cultural, inspirational, and educational events are held nationwide on November 14.
Children's Day was first observed in India in 1959. At first, it was observed on November 20 in conjunction with other nations. However, it was unanimously decided to observe his birthday as Children's Day after Nehru's passing in 1964.
*Read More: History, Meaning and Celebration of Children's Day in India
Children's Day in Australia
Australia has designated the first Sunday in July as Children's Day, and the last week of October is recognized as Children's Week. It celebrates the occasion with cultural events and raises money for underprivileged children by selling cards. Children in foster families and students at specialized boarding schools are given a lot of attention. Giving kids a chance to enjoy their childhood is the main goal of this celebration.
Children's Day in New Zealand
In New Zealand, through celebrating «Maori children», the country’s population focuses on the problems of the native tribes.
Children's Day In different countries, the date of the observation varies, yet June 1st and November 20th |
Children's Day in China
This day is observed in China as a holiday for students and those in school. Many employers allowed their staff to take a day off as well to observe Children's Day. On June 1st, admission to museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions is free.
Children's Day in Pakistan
While, Pakistan celebrates November 20 as Children's Day and organise special programmes dedicated to them, China mark the day on June 1 which was earlier celebrated as Dragon Boat Festival in the country.
Children's Day in Japan
Kodomo no Hi is another name for Children's Day, which is observed on May 5. For their children, mothers make special rice dishes like "Kashiwamochi" and "Chimaki" on this occasion.
Three times a year, we commemorate Children's Day. There are separate celebrations for each gender. On March 3rd, Japanese people decorate their homes with dolls and fruits in honor of Girls' Day. On May 5, Boys' Day, the samurai culture is the only topic of discussion.
Children's Day in Germany
During the Cold War, Germany was split into two separate countries. Children were given candy and toys on June 1st in the Eastern region of the country, while on September 20th in the Western region, the focus was firmly on politics and enhancing young people's living conditions. After the unification, the nation was able to preserve both the holidays and the customs associated with them.
Children's Day in Mexico
In contrast, the celebration of "El Dia Del Nino" takes place on the 30th of April in Mexico. On this day, children are invited to school to celebrate a holiday with a party and are given treats by the administration. In addition to that, they march in a parade that has been organized especially for them.
Children's Day in Singapore
In Singapore, it's October 1 which is a holiday for kids and every school celebrates it in different way by organising fairs, cultural programmes and parade.
Children's Day In Brazil
For over a century, Children's Day has been celebrated alongside the Marian apparition feast! On this day, masquerades, concerts, and processions are held across the country. The practice of holding holiday sales began in Brazil in the 1960s.
Children's Day In Sweden
In Sweden, there are two separate dates for celebrating the day of the girls and the day of the boys. The boys celebrate on August 7th, while the girls celebrate on December 13th.
Boys usually dress up in lobster costumes, which are associated with bravery, and perform in front of the public. Girls do not have a masquerade, but on their special day, they transform into little goddesses (as is associated with the country's folklore) and perform good deeds.