Abdullahi Zango, BUK-Faculty of Law Student Reveals Facts About Children Day

International Children’s Day, 27th May, 2023.

In this post we will be looking at the origin of children’s day, who create children’s day, why may 27 is children’s day in Nigeria and why it is celebrated.

 INTRODUCTION

Children’s Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honor of children, whose date of observance varies by country. In 1925, International Children’s Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare. Since 1950, it is celebrated on June 1 in most Communist and post-Communist countries. World Children’s Day is celebrated on the 20th November to commemorate the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1959. In some countries, it is Children’s Week and not Children’s Day. Children’s Day celebrations in Nigeria nevertheless offers kids an opportunity to immerse themselves in a number of social activities — from excursions to funfairs to parades. The schools that win the award for best military parade format performance win the honors and bragging rights among their peers for the next year. Children are young and beautiful creatures and with their innocent smiles and carefree spirits, they steal the hearts of many. They are said to be gifts from God. It doesn’t matter the sex and physical state or condition of the child. These children are the future of many generations. Little wonder there is a day set aside to celebrate them. Children’s Day, which is celebrated in Nigeria on May 27 annually, is dedicated to celebrating children all over the world, and for adults to remember their childhood experiences.  The excitement of the day is palpable as it’s a special day to recognize, honor, celebrate and appreciate children – GOD’S GIFTS. The celebration is held on different days in several countries. So, attention must be paid to their spiritual, physical, emotional, educational and social wellbeing. For some parents it’s an opportunity to spend time with their children and take them out.

 ORIGIN OF CHILDREN’S DAY

Children’s Day began on the second Sunday of June in 1857 by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts: Leonard held a special service dedicated to, and for the children. Leonard named the day Rose Day, though it was later named Flower Sunday, and then named Children’s Day. Children’s Day was first officially declared a national holiday by the Republic of Turkey in 1920 with the set date of 23 April. Children’s Day has been celebrated nationally since 1920 with the government and the newspapers of the time declaring it a day for the children. However, it was decided that an official confirmation was needed to clarify and justify this celebration and the official declaration was made nationally in 1929 by the founder and the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. International Children’s Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare in 1925. On 4 November 1949, 1 June was established as the International Day for Protection of Children by the Women’s International Democratic Federation in Moscow. Since 1950, 1 June is celebrated as Children’s Day in many Communist and post-Communist countries. On 14 December 1954, a joint resolution by India and Uruguay was passed in the UN General Assembly to encourage all countries to institute a Universal Children’s Day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to promote the ideals of the UN Charter and the welfare of the world’s children. On 20 November 1959, The United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. World Children’s Day is celebrated on 20 November to commemorate the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1959.

 WHO CREATED CHILDREN’S DAY?

In 1856, Rev. Charles H. Leonard, D.D., then pastor of the First Universalist Church of Chelsea, Mass., set apart a Sunday for the dedication of children to the Christian life, and for the re-dedication of parents and guardians to bringing-up their children in Christian nurture. This service was first observed the second Sunday in June. The Universalist Convention at Baltimore in September 1867, passed a resolution commending churches to set apart one Sunday in each year as Children’s Day. The Methodist Episcopal Church at the Methodist Conference of 1868 recommended that second Sunday in June be annually observed as Children’s Day. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1883 designated “the second Sabbath in June as Children’s Day.” Also in 1883, the National Council of Congregational Churches and nearly all the state bodies of that denomination in the United States passed resolutions commending the observance of the day. About this time many other denominations adopted similar recommendations. Chase’s Calendar of Events cites Children’s Sunday and notes that The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issues an annual proclamation for the second Sunday in June. Since 2009, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has issued proclamations proclaiming the second Sunday in June as Children’s Day as had the previous governor in 2007 and 2008. The mayors of Aurora and Batavia, Illinois, also have issued proclamations. Numerous churches and denominations currently observe the second Sunday in June including the African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

WHY IS CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATED IN NIGERIA ON MAY 27?

May 27 is traditionally the Children’s Holiday in Nigeria. China celebrates Children’s Day on June 1 while Japan celebrates theirs on May 5 and Britain celebrates theirs on August 20. Though it is not a general public holiday in Nigeria, the day is set aside to honor the younger generation and, thus, primary and secondary children are given a day off from school. In addition to the festivities and celebrations of Children’s Day, this date also serves to recognize that all minors and children have the right to health, education and protection.

CONCLUSION

Children are innocent, children bring a smile to one’s face. One of the most treasured possessions on earth; children are loved by one and all. Thus, Children’s Day is celebrated to commemorate the healthy growth and happiness of children. As grown-ups, we have the job of nurturing our kids to be strong and independent. As parents and caregivers, we are doing the most important job here. It’s rewarding, but sometimes it’s tough. We all have a role to play in treasuring our children. No one needs to do the big job of being a parent by themselves. Friends and family are the best people to lend a helping hand.

Happy Children’s Day once again.

Comr. Abdullahi Sunusi Abdullahi Zango, BUK.