It’s July now, but I wanted to tell you about the holiday that takes place on June 1st in Poland.
When I was a child I loved this day, since this was my day (mój dzień)! I actually love it until this day…since I’m my parent’s child and they always remember to call me on June 1st. I always thought that the International Children’s Day (Międzynarodowy Dzień Dziecka) which we celebrated in Poland – is really international. Later I realized that it is almost unknown in other countries (especially outside Europe). I also thought that this day was introduced by the United Nations – since it was always called “international” – but in reality the United Nations proclaimed not the June but the November 20th as the Universal Children’s Day – by the resolution of the national assembly in 1954. November 20th – is devoted to promoting the welfare of the children of the world.
The International Children’s Day has been introduced in Poland in the early fifties of XX century. It was easily adopted by Polish children and adults – on the personal level as well as in schools and other public institutions. It coincided with the beginning of summer and since it takes place near the end of the school year – it is usually treated as a holiday. Children attend schools at this day, but school usually organizes for them some special activities, like outdoor plays or the field trips. Parents usually buy some gifts to their kids. I remember getting toys, clothes and chocolate! Another great day to celebrate during the whole year! I started this tradition with my daughter here in USA.
The origin of the International Children’s Day reaches 1925 year. Two important events took place on June 1st in 1925. First one was World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children in Geneva. At the same time the Chinese consul general in San Francisco gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.
Celebrating June 1st as the International Children’s Day was initiated by the International Federation of Democratic Women during their meeting in Fall 1949. June 1st as Children Day is celebrated not only in Poland but also in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia and also in the Eastern part of the Germany. The rest of the world celebrated the Children’s Day either in a different time, sometimes in a bit different form. In many countries children do not have their special day or… they have their special days all around the year!
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
