Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Children’s Day celebrations vary around the world.  Here are a few of the international celebrations.

In Japan, Children’s Day was originally called the “Boy’s Festival” while girls had their own celebration called the “Doll Festival.”  In recent years, a national holiday was established on May 5^th to officially honor their children.  On this day, the young people of Japan often receive colorful kites and hang streamers. 

The second Sunday in August marks Children’s Day in Argentina and Chile, while Brazil’s salute to their children takes place on October 12^th each year.

Children’s Day in India celebrates everything surrounding childhood.  It is celebrated by the entire nation on November 14, which is the birthdate of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.  Nehru, who was known to be immensely fond of children, is often shown in pictures with children and is frequently called “Chacha Nehru” (meaning Uncle Nehru, a term of affection).

In The People’s Republic of China, Children’s Day is June 1.  Children do not attend school that day and there is no homework.  The government encourages children on that day to take part in a variety of activities to strengthen their allegiance to their country.  Fun activities are held and the entire nation celebrates together.

South of the U.S., in Mexico, the day to pay tribute to childhood is called “Dia del Nino” and it is celebrated on April 30.

For many years Germany held a number of different celebrations that honors their children.  Around 1990, with a reunified Germany, an attempt was made to formalize the holiday.  However, when and how it is celebrated largely depends upon where a person resides within Germany.