Children's Day

Article author: Iveta Bartošová

Throughout the year, we have a full calendar of various holidays such as Mother's Day and Father's Day. We certainly should not forget about our children either, because they also have their own day on the calendar. International Children's Day (MDD), or Children's Day for short, is celebrated in almost every country in the world and it is an important day for everyone. When is this day celebrated, how did it come about, and why is it celebrated at all?

When it is celebrated and how Children's Day came about

In the Czech Republic, Children's Day is celebrated every year on June 1. In other countries around the world, it is celebrated on different days. There are various theories about its origin. This idea probably first emerged in 1925 in Switzerland at the World Conference for the Well-being of Children, which took place on June 1. On that same day, the Dragon Boat Festival was also held, which likewise celebrated children's well-being. In our country, the holiday was recognized only in 1950.

On November 20, the UN then declared World Children's Day.

Why Children's Day is celebrated

On this day, we are reminded that children have their rights and needs too. No child should be abused or separated from their parents, should suffer from hunger and thirst, should be exploited for labor, or be completely without education.

Children's Day celebrates children's joy, the joy of life, movement, freedom, simply that it is beautiful to be a child. And that it would be nice if parents spent much more time with children than just on this important day.

How Children's Day is celebrated here

Here, various social and sporting events are organized on this day. Parents and grandparents most often buy children small gifts and sweets, or take them somewhere out or on a trip - to the cinema, an amusement park (Mirakulum, Fajn Park), the zoo (Prague, Evening Safari in Dvůr Králové nad Labem, Liberec, Olomouc) or to a pastry shop for ice cream.

Schools organize sports events, children do not have lessons, and you could say it is a kind of preparatory day for the summer holidays that are approaching.

A list of events held on Children's Day can be found on the Kudy z nudy portal -> 100 tips on how to enjoy Children's Day 2024.

You can make this day special by doing something unusual for your child, something they long for and that would make them happy. Take them on a trip they really want, perhaps sleeping under the stars, or make breakfast in bed, or have the whole family spend a day without mobile phones, tablets, and television. You can also buy them a gift they ask Santa for every year.

How Children's Day is celebrated around the world

In some countries, children do not go to school and parents get time off so they can spend it with their children. Just like here, Children's Day is celebrated through sports games, parades, festivals, and various social events. Parents also give their children sweets and toys. In Australia, not just one day but an entire week is celebrated.

South Africa

On this day, children try to eat as much as possible. It is a day that reminds them that they are children and that they should play and behave like children. It is celebrated on the first Saturday in November.

China

In China, it is celebrated on June 1, and government officials get half a day off so they can spend it with their children.

Japan

Japanese Children's Day is celebrated twice a year, on March 3 for girls and May 5 for boys. March 3 is also known as Doll Festival, when Japanese people decorate their homes with traditional sets of dolls from the Heian period and plum blossoms and drink Amazake. On May 5, carp-shaped flags fly outside, samurai dolls are displayed, and mochi and chimaki are eaten.

Thailand

Many government offices are open to children and their families, such as the government house, parliament house, and various military facilities. A notable example is a guided tour of the government building, where children have the opportunity to see the prime minister's office and sit in it. The Royal Thai Air Force usually invites children to come and explore the aircraft. Children also get free entry to zoos or free bus rides. It is celebrated on the second Saturday in January.

Slovakia

Children have free admission to some attractions, such as zoos. It is celebrated on June 1, just like here.

In conclusion

Since 1950, International Children's Day has fallen on June 1. However, this is not the case in all countries around the world where this holiday is celebrated. The UN even designated November 20 as World Children's Day. On this day, we are reminded that children should be children, full of joy and freedom, nourished with love and food. Here, just like in the rest of the world, it is celebrated through social and sporting events. In some countries, children do not go to school, and neither do their parents go to work, so they can be together. At the same time, children are given gifts, toys, and sweets.

What about you? If you celebrate Children's Day, how do you celebrate it? Do the children get any little gifts from you, or do you take them somewhere on a trip?