The origin of Children's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when the idea of dedicating a day to celebrate children's rights and well-being emerged. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Early Proposals: In 1856, Reverend Charles H. Leonard in the United States proposed that the second Sunday in June be dedicated to children, but it didn't gain much recognition at that time.
International Recognition: In 1925, the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, officially declared June 1st as International Children's Day. One theory suggests this date was chosen to commemorate the tragic death of Chinese students on June 1st, 1919, during protests against the Treaty of Versailles.
China's Adoption: In China, the celebration began in the 1940s during the war against Japan and was officially established in 1949 after the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Global Variations: Many countries, including Japan, Korea, and Singapore, celebrate Children's Day on different dates. In 1949, the International Democratic Women's Federation officially designated June 1st as International Children's Day to悼念 the利迪策惨案 and promote children's rights globally.
Today, Children's Day is a global celebration of childhood and a reminder of the importance of protecting children's rights and well-being.