Children's Day - May 5th 2009

Hi guys, as you can see the title, it says "Children's Day". Today, May 5th is the "Children's Day" in Korea and everyone don't attend the school, they travel and play with their friend. In Korea, over 14 years old are not child anymore. We call it "Teenager" in English. However today, my brother is 13 years old and I am 14 years old so, I could see enjoy the Children's day. We had dinner together and our parents bought us a gift. I love this holiday. ^^

I want to share about "Children's Day" 's history. Jung Hwan Bang, is the person who started this celebration. In Early Korea, the children were not as precious as adult did and he wanted to changed that. He wanted to make one day for children only. So, he did. He decided that the "Children's Day" is going to be on May 1st. After long years, the May 1st was day for "Workers" so, they decided to change the "Children's day" to "May 5th"

He loved the children and there is one quote about children. "Let's make a children's day so that at least they can enjoy one day out of one year" (Translated into English...) When they are deciding what date might be good, they realized that May is the most beautiful month and they set the children's day on May.

The first "Children's Day" began on May 1st, 1923 in Seoul. There were lots of supporters such as "Josun Newspaper, Dong-a Newpaper". There were one thousand children and adult who participated this first celebration. They sang a "Children's Day" song in Korean.

In July 23rd, 1931, he passed away in small hospital. His age was 33, young enough to live longer. "Why do I have to die even though there are lots of children waiting for me..." This quote was the last quote that he said while he was dying.

So next year, you can say to your parents, "Today is Children's Day!"