You strive, day after day, working for the man in the standard nine to five that everyone else seems to have and each day you feel like you’re coming home a little more lifeless than when you left. All that brightens your day is the smiles on your children’s faces. If you’re the child, you’re probably not enjoying school too much and what gives you hope is that your parents will always be there for you. Still, in both situations, neither party is always happy being a parent or a child, but what about if you get your own day?
Yes indeed! There is a day for both Children and Parents alike, aptly named Children’s Day and Parents’ Day respectively. The celebrations go on for a day each, on May 5th and May 8th, again respectively, and aim to raise awareness and pay tribute to the parents and children in their own country. South Korea’s days for these celebrations are certainly some of the worlds’ most prominent.
Children’s Day in South Korea was first developed by Korean students and several social leaders in order to raise the social status of children, but after just a few short years it was treated as a social activist activity and thus the ruling Japanese authorities of 1939 oppressed it and shut it down. However, when South Korea declared independence in 1945, they revived the movement and have celebrated it ever since on May 5th. On this day, Children are taken by their parents to zoos, museums and other child-oriented entertainment venues, gifts are also often given to children.
Parents’ Day was created in South Korea through a combination of the Christian-celebrated Mother’s Day combined with traditional Confucianism culture. Originally the day was simply known as Mother’s Day but in 1973, May 8th was designated as Parents’ Day. This day celebrates parents and their contribution to society as well as their support to their children, on this day, children buy their parents carnations or make paper carnations and present them to their parents as a sign of love and respect.
If you’re a parent who likes the idea of having a whole day to him or herself, then we’re sure you’ll love the South Korean region. SeekTeachers already has a range of positions in the region, so why not check out our jobs page today?