Respect for the Aged Day (Japan)
Respect for the Aged Day, known as Keiro-no-hi, is a public holiday in Japan celebrated annually on September 15. This day is dedicated to honoring and showing respect for the elderly, particularly those aged 100 years and older, reflecting Japan's deep-rooted cultural values that emphasize reverence for older generations. The holiday originated in 1951 as Toshiy-ori-no-hi, or Old People's Day, and was renamed in 1966 following the introduction of government welfare measures for the elderly. Though this holiday has ancient roots in the respect for elders, it is a relatively modern observance with few established customs. Celebrations often include speeches and ceremonies led by public officials, alongside gifts made by elementary school children for elderly family members or residents of care facilities. As Japan's population of centenarians continues to grow, Respect for the Aged Day serves as an important occasion to acknowledge their contributions to society and promote awareness of the challenges faced by the elderly.
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Respect for the Aged Day (Japan)
Respect for the Aged Day (Japan)
Like many Asian peoples, the Japanese have a special respect and reverence for the elderly, who represent traditional values and authority in a society which has roots going back for thousands of years. September 15 of every year is Keiro-no-hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, in Japan, a public holiday dedicated to honoring people who are 100 years of age or older. Although its roots in respect for the elderly go back for millennia, it is a modern holiday, first begun in 1951 as Toshiy-ori-no-hi, or Old People's Day, and then changed to Keiro-no-hi in 1966 and made a public holiday. The reason for the change relates to the enactment of certain old-age welfare measures by the Japanese government.
Since Respect for the Aged Day is an event of recent creation, there are very few established customs for its celebration. There are a variety of special events for the country's growing population of people who are over 100 years old, including speeches and other ceremonies by public officials, which are usually supplemented by gifts made by elementary school children for elderly relatives or residents of local old-age homes.