OUR CULTURES
Mothers, Fathers, and Children’s Day
Many of our students celebrate these holidays during the spring. But the dates of observance and the traditions vary according to their family’s heritage. And some get to celebrate twice since they also do so according to the U.S. customs. CHINA
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday of May Father’s Day: Third Sunday of June Children’s Day: June 1 Women’s Day: March 8
In China, we have Women’s Day when women receive special treats and normally get a half- day off of work. Mother’s Day is a celebration that was recently adopted. It is not an official holiday, but Women’s Day is. Father’s Day is also not widely celebrated and is not a public holiday. Children’s Day is June 1st. Schools have special activities for children and many places offer discounts on food, attractions, etc. In my memory, Children’s Day normally was celebrated in elementary school. Each class and school would have big parties and games to celebrate this day. Kids would dress up on that day and got prizes and treats during the parties and games. Typically, we would have the afternoon off after the school and class parties were over. This was always the happiest day of the entire school year during my elementary school years. - Laura Ni, Apollo Elementary and Maywood Middle School parent GERMANY
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday of May Father’s Day: 40th Day of Easter Children’s Day: September 20
In Germany, we do not celebrate Children’s Day. Father's Day is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is a public holiday in Germany. Ascension Day is the 40th day of Easter and commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven 39 days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It always takes place on a Thursday. In some regions, it is also known as Men’s or Gentlemen’s Day as all men take part in the celebrations. This tradition dates to the eighteenth century, when prizes were awarded to fathers (e.g., for the father who had the most children) after Ascension Day parades in rural areas. The men would then spend the rest of the day in “manly” pursuits. Nowadays, most dads mingle and head out biking or gathering with other dads. For Mother’s Day, people do something good for their moms; give them flowers, breakfast, cards, or
anything similar. My mom always said, “I don’t want to be celebrated because it’s Mother’s Day. Instead, I want to be celebrated and remembered each day.” - Katrin Benders, Pacific Cascade Middle School parent INDIA
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday of May Father’s Day: Third Sunday of June Children’s Day: November 14
Children's Day in India is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Children's Day is popularly known as 'Baal Diwas' in India. The day aims to increase the awareness of the rights, care, and education of children. As kids in school, we used to sing songs dedicated to Jawaharlal Nehru. The teachers used to put up programmed and entertaining performances for the children like fancy dress competitions. Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are very recent celebrations in India with influence from the West! When we were growing up, we did not have these days on the calendar. In India nowadays, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, like in the U.S. This day is celebrated to acknowledge and appreciate the role of fathers who play a very important role in our families. Children look forward to this day and make their dads feel special with their gestures. Children give cards, gifts, and flowers to their fathers. Some go out to dinner and spend the day with their fathers as well. Similarly, Mother's Day is celebrated in India on the second Sunday of May, as in the U.S.A. On this day, children express their love, respect, honor, and gratitude for their mothers and try to make them feel special by greeting them with gifts and family outings. - Darpan Marwah, Pacific Cascade Middle School parent
JAPAN
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday of May Father’s Day: Third Sunday of June Children’s Day: May 5
Children's Day in Japan is a national holiday to celebrate every child's health and happiness and wish them a bright future. Traditionally, the family flies carp-shaped streamers (Koi-Nobori) to celebrate the day. From an old tale of a carp swimming up the torrential river and becoming a dragon, people symbolize carp as courage and the ability to achieve
goals. The family also enjoys eating rice cakes (Kashiwa-mochi/Chimaki), making paper Koi-Nobori, cooking some family dishes kids like, or having potluck parties. Many families living outside of Japan use their creativity to celebrate that day. I used to celebrate with my son when he was little. - Nana Tsujino, Issaquah High School parent KOREA
Parent’s Day: May 8 Children’s Day: May 5
I grew up in Korea where Children's Day and Parent's Day are in the same month, May, which is referred to as the Month of Family. On Children's Day, we used to go to amusement parks when I was little. On Parent's Day, we made a little flower and gave it to our parents. We celebrate both parents on one day, not separately. Here in the U.S., we have a special dinner on that day for both Father's and Mother's Day with the kid's grandparents. In the U.S., we celebrate each kid's birthday by having a special dinner with a gift for them. - Caroline Yi, Issaquah High School parent
MALAYSIA
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday of May Father’s Day: Third Sunday of June Children’s Day: June 1
Growing up, I remember Children’s Day at school. It was a one-day long event like a school concert, but also with a party and yummy food. But we did not celebrate this holiday outside of school. As a child, Mother’s and Father’s Day were not celebrated in Malaysia yet, but I think towards my late teens I started hearing about them. - Farha Ajir-LeHue, Pacific Cascade Middle School parent
MEXICO
Mother’s Day: May 10 Father’s Day: Third Sunday of June Children’s Day: April 30
Growing up in Mexico, Children’s Day was a big deal. For sure, it was one of my favorite holidays. It felt just right; we have a day for Mothers, one for Fathers, and one for Children! Children’s Day in Mexico is always celebrated on April 30th. Usually, there are no classes at schools, even if it is not an official holiday in the school calendar. There are no classes, but no children want to miss school this day! Teachers and parents organize a big party or festival for the students at school with treats, games, and many fun activities.
