On October first Sri Lanka will celebrate Childeren’s Day. It is celebrated on different days in various countries. ‘International Children’s Day’ is celebrated on June 1 and ‘Universal Chidren’s Day' on November 20.
Children’s Day was first celebrated on the second Sunday in June in 1856 by Rev. Charles Leonard.
He was the Pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Massachusetts, USA. He had a children’s service especially dedicated to them. He called it Rose day. This name was later changed to Flower Sunday and then to Children’s Day.
International Children’s Day is traditionally celebrated on June 1. It was In 1925, the World Conference for the Well-being of Children declared June 1 as the day to focus on issues affecting children. Some countries do not celebrate this day but has a day dedicated to children on another day.
The International Day for Protection of Children is also observed on June 1. It was universally established in 1954 to protect children’s rights, end child labour and ensure access to education for all children. The United Nations’ (UN) Universal Children's Day, established in 1954, is celebrated on November 20 each year. The aim of this day is to encourage international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide.
The United Nations Children's Fund, promotes and coordinates this special day, which also works towards improving the welfare of children.
Let us now see how some countries celebrate their children.
Turkey
It was the Republic of Turkey which officially declared a national holiday for Children’s Day in 1920 with the day set for April 23. This was officially confirmed by the Founder and President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Today, it is celebrated as the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23 with many events organised for children.
USA
In 1995, October 8 was declared as National Children’s Day. In 2001, the President declared the first Sunday in June as National Child’s Day. However, National Children’s Day is generally celebrated on the second Sunday in June or October 8.
Brazil
National Children's Day in Brazil, is known as Dia de Crianças in Portuguese and, is celebrated on October 12. It is also the country’s Patron Saint St. Aparecida’s Day holiday. It is also the day on which Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas or the New World. On this day children are given gifts by parents and elders and they can play with their friends.
China
China (People’s Republic of China) celebrates children on June 1, and the official name for this day is ‘June 1 International Children’s Day’.
Earlier a half day holiday was given to all primary school children but in 1949 it was changed to a one day holiday. Children’s concerts, camping trips, free films and competitions are among the many activities organised for children on this day. Gift giving is also a part of this day.
Thailand
It is on the second Saturday in January that Thailand celebrates its National Children's Day. In Thai it is called ‘Wan Dek’ and was declared as National Children’s Day in 1955.
Thai National Children’s Day is designed to let the children have fun and also to know about their important role in Thailand’s development about their significant role in the development of the country. It was established as a holiday in 1955.
Usually, His Majesty the King gives advice to children in a speech. As part of the celebrations many Government offices are open to children and their families including the Government House, the Parliament House Complex and various Military installations. On this day children can enter zoos and have free bus rides.
Nigeria
This African country established Children's Day Holiday in 1964 and celebrates it on May 27. It is a public holiday for children attending Primary and Secondary schools. March pasts and parades, outings, performing adult jobs on this day, competitions and parties are included in the day’s activities
Qatar
Qatar celebrated its first Qatar Children's day on March 15, 2018. This coincided with the date on which the Wudeema law (Child Protection Law) was issued. On November 20 Qatar celebrates Universal Children's day.
New Zealand
On the first Sunday in March New Zealand celebrates Children's Day. On this day new Zealanders honour their children as a taonga (Maori for treasure).
India
In India, Children's Day is celebrated on November 14, the birthday of the first Prime Minister of independent India,. He was known as Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru) or Chachaji (Uncle), Pandit Nehru placed a lot of importance on love and affection for children. After his death on May 27, 1964 the Indian Government decided to celebrate Bal Diwas or Children's Day on his birthday as a tribute to him.
ND