๐ Children’s Day Around the World: Comparing 5 Countries
Children are loved and celebrated globally, but every country honors them in unique and special ways. In this post, weโll look at Childrenโs Day in five different countries, compare their customs, and see how South Korea celebrates its young generation ๐
This guide is especially helpful for foreign residents living in South Korea who want to understand the meaning and traditions behind May 5th!
๐ Overview Table: Childrenโs Day by Country
| Country | Date | Public Holiday? | Common Activities | Gift Giving? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea ๐ฐ๐ท | May 5 | Yes | Park visits, zoo, family outings | Yes |
| Japan ๐ฏ๐ต | May 5 (Kodomo no Hi) | Yes | Carp streamers, samurai displays | Some |
| China ๐จ๐ณ | June 1 | Yes (for kids) | Performances, no school | Yes |
| Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ | April 30 | No | School events, parties | Yes |
| Turkey ๐น๐ท | April 23 | Yes | Children in government roles, parades | Yes |
๐ฐ๐ท South Korea โ ์ด๋ฆฐ์ด๋ (Eorininal)
๐ Date: May 5
Childrenโs Day is a national holiday in Korea. Itโs a day to recognize and honor the happiness and rights of children.
๐งโ๐ซ History
- Introduced by Bang Jeong-hwan, a childrenโs rights activist, in 1923.
- Became a public holiday in 1975.
๐ Traditions
- Parents spend quality time with their kids by visiting amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, or museums.
- Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon host free events, street performances, and family festivals.
- Kids receive gifts such as toys, books, or small gadgets.
๐ Transportation Tip
Expect heavy traffic, especially near popular destinations like:
- Lotte World, Everland
- Childrenโs Grand Park (Seoul)
- Theme cafรฉs or museums
๐ก Tip: Use public transport or leave early in the morning to avoid delays!
๐ฏ๐ต Japan โ ใใฉใใฎๆฅ (Kodomo no Hi)
๐ Date: May 5
Coinciding with South Koreaโs Childrenโs Day, Japanโs โKodomo no Hiโ is part of Golden Week and celebrates childrenโs happiness and health.
๐ Traditions
- Families display carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) outside their homes. The carp symbolizes strength and perseverance.
- Boys may receive samurai dolls and decorations as symbols of strength.
- Families eat kashiwa mochi (sweet rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves).
๐ฆ Travel Note
Since itโs during Golden Week, expect travel congestion, especially on bullet trains and highways.
๐จ๐ณ China โ ๅ ญไธๅฟ็ซฅ่ (Childrenโs Day)
๐ Date: June 1
Known as โLiรน Yฤซ รrtรณng Jiรฉ,โ Childrenโs Day in China is officially recognized, and most schools cancel classes for primary students.
๐ญ Activities
- Schools host talent shows, plays, and singing competitions.
- Local governments organize events in parks or city squares.
- Children may get gifts from family, including books, toys, or new clothes.
๐ต Transport Tip
Traffic is generally moderate, but public venues and playgrounds might be crowded in large cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Parents are encouraged to spend the day with their children and enjoy quality time together.
๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico โ Dรญa del Niรฑo
๐ Date: April 30
โDรญa del Niรฑoโ is a fun and colorful day in Mexico, even though itโs not a public holiday.
๐ Celebrations
- Schools plan special events, including:
- Costume contests
- Toy giveaways
- Dance and music shows
- Restaurants and businesses may offer free meals or discounts for kids.
- Families often go out for tacos, ice cream, or churros ๐ฆ
๐ Travel Info
Since itโs a weekday for most, traffic remains normal, but school areas can be lively and loud!
๐น๐ท Turkey โ National Sovereignty and Childrenโs Day
๐ Date: April 23
Turkeyโs Childrenโs Day is unique because itโs combined with a national day, honoring the foundation of the Turkish Parliament.
๐น๐ท Unique Feature
- Schools send children to act as parliament members or local mayors for a day.
- Massive ceremonies and parades occur nationwide.
- International children from around the world are invited to join events, making it a global celebration ๐
๐ Events
- Concerts, dancing, and poetry performances are broadcast live.
- The capital, Ankara, hosts the largest events.
๐๏ธ Itโs a day of patriotism and youth empowerment.
๐ Gift Comparison Chart
| Country | Typical Gifts |
|---|---|
| Korea ๐ฐ๐ท | Toys, books, electronics |
| Japan ๐ฏ๐ต | Traditional ornaments, sweets |
| China ๐จ๐ณ | School supplies, clothing |
| Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ | Toys, snacks, party favors |
| Turkey ๐น๐ท | Mostly symbolic or cultural celebrations |
๐ Final Thoughts
While every country has its own traditions, the heart of Childrenโs Day is the same everywhere: to cherish and celebrate the joy of childhood ๐.
South Koreaโs May 5 is a vibrant national holiday, rich in family-centered activities and festive spirit. For foreign residents, it’s a perfect day to:
- Enjoy local events
- Visit theme parks or museums
- Learn more about Korean family culture
Whether you’re a parent or just love the cheerful energy of the day, Children’s Day is a wonderful chance to make memories!
