Holidays Around The World � Asia Holidays

Sri Lanka Independence Day Celebration

Noel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:48:42 +0000

Sri Lanka’s Independence Day: February 4

Independence Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Sri Lanka

February 4 is the official celebration day of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day from the United Kingdom in 1948. It is considered as a major national holiday in the country.

History of Sri Lanka and its Independence

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka or popularly known as Sri Lanka which is located in the Indian Ocean and is a part of South East Asia. Before 1972, the country was known as Ceylon where it has become a colony of British for more than a century.

The Europeans saw a big potential in Sri Lanka as a perfect place for plantation. And during the World War II, it also became one of the most important Allied military bases. Sri Lanka has encountered a lot of National struggles under the British colony but because of the people’s determination to regain freedom, they had fought for their county’s right and on February 4th of 1948, the country has won their independence over the United Kingdom. The country’s first elected Prime Minister was Don Stephen Senananyake.

Sri Lanka Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Independence Day celebration of Sri Lanka has always been observed and regarded as a very special national event celebrated with ceremonies, parades, flag-hoisting, pageants and many other activities organized and funded by national officials and even non-governmental institutions.

Other interesting posts:

Foundation Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam

Noel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:09:23 +0000

Foundation Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam: February 3

Founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam is celebrated as a public holiday.

Every 3rd of February, Vietnam celebrates the foundation of its Communist Party. It is presently the only legal and ruling political party of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The Communist Party is popularly known to the people as “Dang ta” which means “our Party” in Vietnamese.

History of the Communist Party of Vietnam

On February 1930, Ho Chi Minh decided to institute in Hong Kong a Vietnamese Communist Party along with the many other exiles residing in China. Right after the implementation of its first plenum, the party name was changed into Indochinese Communist Party.

The party platform had several proposals which were projected while there was economic despair. Some of the proposals included the organization of Vietnamese independence and the development of a workers’, peasants’ and soldiers’ government. They also demanded for the abolishment of public debts, suppression of taxes, and eight-hour work day, concentration on education, agriculture and many more.

The formation of the First National Party Congress was held behind closed doors in Macau while Cominterm congress was being held. Shortly after, on 1945, the party was dissolved to cover up the Communist relationship. And it was again re-founded later on during the Second National Party Congress in 1951 as the Vietnam Workers’ Party. It was only until the Fourth National Party Congress that it was merged with People’s Revolutionary party of South Vietnam thus the Communist Party of Vietnam was formed.

Founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam Traditions, Customs and Activities

Vietnam pays tribute to this special day as one way of observing their historical maturity. Regarded as a public national holiday, a lot of politicians and non-governmental leaders pay tribute to the foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam by holding different programs and activities all throughout the country.

Other interesting posts:

Malaysia Celebrates Federal Territory Day

Carol — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:50:36 +0000

Federal Territory Day: February 1

Federal Territory Day is a public holiday in Malaysia.

The Federal Territory Day, celebrated every first day of February, is one of Malaysia’s national holidays. The Federal Territories of Malaysia constitutes the state of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, anHeadd Labuan.

History of Federal Territory Day

The first two were originally part of Selangor state while Labuan was part of Sabah. Selangor surrendered Kuala Lumpur to the federal government on February 1, 1974. Labuan was released by Sabah in April 16, 1984 and in February 1, 2001, Putrajaya was later made the third federal territory. Due to the similarity in the date of independence of each state, the Federal Territory Day was instituted to be celebrated yearly every first day of February.

Federal Territory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Federal Territory Day is celebrated in all three constituent states with parades, fireworks display including cultural shows and exhibits. Tourists will surely enjoy travelling around Malaysia during this time as they get the chance to see great street performances. What’s good about it is that the cultural shows and exhibitions are free of charge and are open for public viewing. Students from various schools, including government and non-governmental organizations and private sectors form unique contingents on every street parade and exhibitions during the event. Fun activities such as games and contests are also added activities.

The celebration also comes with awarding both public and private companies and individuals in their valuable contribution to their immediate community. If you’re in Malaysia, you can find more information by calling or visiting the local tourist offices or travel agencies.

Other interesting posts:

Solidarity Day Celebrated in Azerbaijan

Noel — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:00:49 +0000

Solidarity Day: December 31

Solidarity Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

Solidarity Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Azerbaijan to reflect on the country’s struggles with pride.

History of Solidarity Day in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country in Eurasia, located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. Azerbaijan, a nation with a majority Turkic and Shi’ite Muslin population, is a secular and united country, and was the country that was first successful in attempting to establish a democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world.

When the country was under the rule of the Soviet Union, there were many wars (such as the Operation Edelweiss period, and the wars fought during the eras of World War I and World War II) that left a lot of people dead. However, the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, and since then, Azerbaijan has worked to restore some of its power and stability.

President Heydar Aliyev was the president of Azerbaijan from 1969-1982, and he became the president again in 1993 after his predecessor, Abulfaz Elcibay, was overthrown. It was under Alliyev’s rule that unemployment decreased for the country, criminal groups were encouraged to cease violence, the economy improved, and stability was brought to the country. The government of the country was still “tainted,” but these improvements were effectively symbolic.

h2>Azerbaijan Solidarity Day Public Traditions, Customs, and Activities

On December 31 of every year, the country celebrates Solidarity Day. This day is celebrated as a day to remember and honor the struggles of the country. The day focuses on respecting the national and moral values of the Azerbaijani nation, and it focuses on the feelings and ideas of the nation as one unit working together for a common goal.

Solidarity Day brings about further unity and compassion in the country every year. On this day, the president addresses the country, communicating the need to observe the day with strength and seriousness.

Other interesting posts:

Rizal Day Festively Celebrated in the Philippines

Noel — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:00:37 +0000

Rizal Day: December 30

Rizal Day is a public holiday in the Philippines.

Rizal Day is a holiday that is celebrated in the Philippines as a day in history that had a great impact on the people’s pride and freedom.

History of Rizal Day in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Rizal Day is celebrated as a national holiday in December. It is typically celebrated on the nearest Monday to December 30. This day is in honor of Jose Rizal. Jose Rizal’s full name was José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, and he was known as a nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reform in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Because of his beliefs and the changes he fought for, Rizal is considered the Philippines’ national hero.

Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 and was the seventh child of 11 children born to a wealthy family of farmers. Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. After he received his degree, he traveled and continued his studies. He earned two doctorates and became very fluent in ten languages. To the Philippine culture, Rizal was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist.

Rizal was also a highly respected political figure. He was a proponent of initiating reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent action. He had admirable philosophies on how to get things accomplished effectively and efficiently.

While Rizal was a motivating cultural force, there were some who did not appreciate this. In 1896, Rizal was sentenced to death on charges of rebellion, which were based on a planned conspiracy. Many were saddened by this because they felt that his teachings were giving them more opportunity to seize freedom and peace.

There have recently been interesting debates to move the holiday to his birthday as opposed to his day of death. This suggestion has been proposed to the House of Representatives and is currently in being reviewed.

The Philippines’ Rizal Day Traditions, Customs, and Activities

To celebrate Rizal Day, there are many festivals and parades to celebrate the man’s life and values. People observe this day to remember a man in the country’s history that has influenced the culture and values of the entire country.

Other interesting posts:

North Korea Observes Constitution Day

Noel — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:00:13 +0000

Constitution Day: December 27

Constitution Day is a public holiday in North Korea.

Many countries have strong constitutions backed on solid principals and strong government. Others have constitutions backed on dictatorships and false promises. Some are living documents while others are static.

The constitution of North Korea has existed since 1972, yet many view it in a negative light. Regardless of world views on North Korea’s constitution and government, every year on December 27 it observes Constitution Day.

History of Constitution Day in North Korea

After the Korean War, North Korea wanted to consolidate, repairing its infrastructure and putting industrial production back online. These efforts were highlighted with the campaigning of then leader Kim Il-sung’s policy of Juche, one that taught that “man is the master of everything and decides everything.” This process of self-reliance was inherent in all efforts made by Kim Il-sung.
The country was encouraged to grow using domestic resources as often as possible.

As prime minister of the country, Kim Il-sung wanted to spread these ideas to the people and strengthen his base of power at the same time. What resulted was the creation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Socialist Constitution.

The constitution was authored by Kim Il-sung, and his son and current leader Kim Jong-Il helped to perfect it. The constitution effectively made Kim Il-sung the president of the country and documented how socialism would be used to reflect the will of the North Korean people. On December 27, 1972, Kim Il-sung signed the constitution into effect, realizing his cause of Juche.

After Kim Il-sung’s death in 1994, his son Kim Jong-Il took over. The constitution has since been revised at least three times, once in April 1992, again in September 1998, and once more in April of 2009.

In 1998, Kim Jong-Il dispersed the roles of the presidency across many different organizations, leaving many to wonder who was in control. The April 2009 revisions added references to Kim Jong-Il as the “supreme leader” of North Korea, removing much of the ambiguity. The 2009 updates also removed references to communism and placed more emphasis on his policy of songun, a focus on the military.

North Korea’s Constitution Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

It’s difficult to say how the people of North Korea truly view the constitution and the leader behind it. Despite the addition of references to more human rights in the 2009 update, many experts agree that the references are mostly cosmetic. As fears of retribution keep vocal disagreement to a minimum, it’s difficult to gauge how the people feel about the constitution and what it offers them. As human rights issues continue to plague the country, there are implications that many North Korean citizens don’t joyfully celebrate this holiday.

Other interesting posts:

The Emperor’s Birthday is Festively Celebrated in Japan

Noel — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:00:45 +0000

Emperor’s Birthday: December 23

Emperor’s Birthday is a public holiday in Japan.

The Emperor’s Birthday is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated on the day of birth of the current emperor. Currently it’s celebrated on December 23, the birthday of Emperor Akihito, who was born in 1933.

History of Emperor’s Birthday in Japan

In 1948, the Emperor’s Birthday was established as a moveable national holiday, dependent on the incumbent emperor’s birth date. Japan’s emperor is considered a symbol of the state and of unity in Japan.

The present emperor is named Akihito and was born in December 23, 1933. He is the 125th emperor of Japan and ascended to the throne in 1989. Akihito is the eldest son of late Emperor Showa. He married Empress Michiko on April 10, 1959 and had three children. As emperor, he has been known for his several apologies in the name of Japan for the country’s participation in World War II.

Japan’s Emperor’s Birthday Traditions, Customs and Activities

On December 23, there are public celebratory ceremonies organized at the Imperial Palace. The Emperor’s Birthday is one of only two days during the year that the Imperial Palace is open to the public, the other being January 2. The emperor and empress, as well as other members of the royal family, appear at the balcony of the palace to welcome all those that come to the celebrations. Everyone that gathers in the palace greets the emperor with Japanese flags and cheers of banzai. Since there are many visitors during this time, visitors may be placed in groups before entering the palace grounds. The emperor and empress will then greet each group as they enter and leave the grounds.

Other interesting posts:

Martyrs’ Day Commemorated in the Maldives

Noel — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:00:37 +0000

Martyrs’ Day: December 23

Martyrs’ Day is a public holiday in the Maldives.

Martyr’s Day—or shaheedhunge dhuvas as its known locally—in the Maldives celebrates the death of Sultan Ali VI as he fought the Portuguese with little support from the rest of the people. He died in the battlefield in 1558 and is considered a national hero and a martyr. The date of his death was on the 1st day of the month of Shauban, year 965 A.H. of the Islamic calendar. This is why the date changes from year to year in the Gregorian calendar.

History of Martyrs’ Day in the Maldives

The Portuguese were interested in the Maldives due to the existence on the islands of cowry shells and ambergris, important for the production of perfumes. They were fought back three times by Ali Rasgefaanu, later to become Sultan Ali VI. The Portuguese attacked again in 1558, but Sultan Ali VI could not repel the attacks and eventually was killed. His tomb was built in the same place where he died in Malé, and Martyr’s Day is devoted to him and all that fought by his side for the Maldives.

The Portuguese occupation lasted for 15 years, adding dark pages of history to the Maldives as the Portuguese tried to enforce Christianity on the people. Mohamed Thakurufaanu and his two brothers still fought the Portuguese using guerrilla warfare tactics and managed to retake the island of Malé from the Portuguese leader Andreas Andre.

The Maldives’ Martyrs’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The remembrance of Sultan Ali VI and all other heroes that have fought for the Maldives has generally been decreasing in significance for the people. They usually spend Martyr’s Day quietly at home after going to prayers at a mosque. Some people of the Maldives may enjoy outings to neighboring islands for relaxation and vacation purposes on this day.

Other interesting posts:

Kayin New Year Festively Observed in Myanmar

Noel — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:00:23 +0000

Kayin New Year Date: December 21

Kayin New Year is a public holiday in Myanmar.

The Kayin New Year is celebrated nationwide in Myanmar, but the date of the celebrations varies since its calculation is based on the lunar moon calendar. It is held on the first day of the moon month of Pyatho. It is a celebration by the Kayin communities in the Kayin State of Myanmar.

History of Kayin New Year in Myanmar

The Kayin, or Karen, people count the years from the first day that the first migrant tribe from Mongolia settled in the land of Myanmar, giving birth to the Kayin people. They are the second largest ethnic minority in Myanmar, and they live throughout much of Lower Myanmar. They have never had their own kingdom, and they have always been treated as a subject race. Even so, Kayin people are proud of their heritage and fight to preserve it for future generations.

Myanmar’s Kayin New Year Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Kayin New Year is an important time when the Kayin communities can join and celebrate their unique cultural identity within Myanmar with dance contests and songs while wearing their traditional costumes.

The Kayin New Year celebrations are focused on preservation of Kayin language, culture and literature, Kayin national unity, and development. For the celebrations of the Kayin New Year, young and old Kayins wear their traditional costumes of woven tunics over red longyis and go around the cities to visit friends and relatives to enjoy the festival.

In Hpa An, which is the capital city of the Kayin State, dancing competitions are held every year. All over Myanmar there are other ceremonies to present the Kayin cultural heritage, like the Kayin Done Dance or the Kayin Bamboo Dance. The Kayin national flag is hoisted at dawn, and the ceremony is followed by dancing shows, while steamed sticky rice is served. There are speeches and awards for the best students of the year, while traditional and cultural exhibitions are also held about Kayin people’s history. The celebrations have been known to go on for many days.

Other interesting posts:

Uzbekistan Celebrates the Adoption of Its Constitution

Noel — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:00:50 +0000

Constitution Day: December 8

Constitution Day is a public holiday in Uzbekistan.

As stated in the Constitution of Uzbekistan, in commemoration of adopting the constitution of the independent Republic of Uzbekistan, December 8—the day on which the Constitution was adopted—shall be proclaimed Constitution Day, a national holiday of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

History of Constitution Day in Uzbekistan

We cannot speak of Constitution Day without referring to August 31, 1991, the day Uzbekistan declared independence.

In the 19th century Uzbekistan was incorporated into the Russian Empire and in 1924 became a republic of the Soviet Union. It wasn’t until August 1991 when an attempted coup against the Gorbachev government by Russian hardliners that mass change took place in the Soviet Union. At first, Uzbekistan hesitated to oppose the coup, but eventually decided to the republic independent. In December 1991, Uzbekistan passed an independence referendum and started working on its own constitution. Uzbeks had to wait until the close of 1992 to have their civil rights written into a constitution that they could call their own. On December 8, 1992, President Karimov signed the constitution in the city of Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan. The event was so politically important that the date was proclaimed in the constitution as a public holiday to be observed every year as Constitution Day.

Uzbekistan’s Constitution Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

This is a non-work holiday for Uzbeks. Even though Independence Day garners most of the attention in August, Constitution Day is also celebrated with enthusiasm, and nationwide activities that focus on the Constitution are organized. Constitution Day street festivals take place in all cities of the country while the main events are held in the capital city of Tashkent. More than 130 ethnic groups live in Uzbekistan, and on this day they present their folklore, songs, dances, arts, and cuisine. The president and several politicians address the nation with speeches, and the president approves a presidential pardon for Uzbeks in jail to be released. This has also been a day for non-governmental organizations to hold protests against the human rights violations in the country that have not been properly addressed by the government of Uzbekistan.

Other interesting posts: