First celebrated in Turkey on April 23, 1920, the holiday was created as a symbolic gesture by Turkish leader, Ataturk. It marks the sovereignty of Turkey and celebrates the nation's children, who are its future.
Children run the country for the day. They sit in the offices of elected officials and even run a parliament session. Its an international event now because other countries send children to participate. The celebration also includes children performing traditional dance in costume, which I watch with some awe. It reminds me of my days at Krakowianki, learning Polish dances and wearing the pretty flower crowns.
My boys have managed to escape that experience because of assimilation. I try hard to keep them aware of their heritage, mine and my husband's. Boys seem to care more about Panthers football though, even when its a losing team!
Gaziantep Children Performing:
7 comments:
Assimilation is a good thing, but I would rather our kids be aware of their heritage too. May not seem like much to you, but my husband and I are from drastically different parts of the country, and I struggle to give the kids the experience of both and of the generic assimilated "Indian" culture.
that's awesome! I love the idea of giving the kids a chance to lead and learn how to be leaders... And hey! New name--? I like it... and how long was I out of town??? ;p <3
Sounds like a neat holiday. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
That's really cool. How sad is it if the children run the country better than the adults?
CD
This sounds really neat!!! What a neat holiday, thanks for sharing it with us!
I am always fascinated to learn of others traditions and holidays. It's so cool. Thanks for sharing. =)
I didn't now that children's day exist in Turkey, we don't have such holliday here...great for children to find out more about many things. My children have friends from different cultures and I think thats fine because we live here in a multiculture enviroment! Thanks again for the blog :)
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