Labor Thanksgiving Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Labor Thanksgiving Day |
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|---|---|
| Official name | 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) |
| Observed by | Japan |
| Type | Public |
| Significance | Commemorates labor and production and giving one another thanks; formerly a harvest festival |
| Celebrations | School children prepare cards or gifts for people in the labor sector to show appreciation. Companies review their accomplishments and congratulate their workers for their dedication. |
| Date | November 23 |
| Next time | 23 November 2025 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Niiname-no-Matsuri |
Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi) is an important public holiday in Japan. It happens every year on November 23. If this day is a Sunday, the holiday moves to Monday.
This special day is about respecting all kinds of work. It celebrates how people produce things and contribute to society. It's also a time for everyone to thank each other. Many events take place across Japan to celebrate. For example, the Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks Festival is a big event.
Contents
History of Labor Thanksgiving Day
Labor Thanksgiving Day has a long history. It comes from an old harvest festival called Niiname-sai (新嘗祭). This festival celebrated the harvest of important crops like rice.
Ancient Harvest Traditions
Ancient Japanese writings mention harvest rituals from a very long time ago. These celebrations became more formal over time. During the Niiname-sai ceremony, the Emperor would offer the year's harvest to the kami (spirits). The Emperor would also be the first to taste the new rice. This tradition honored the hard work of the year.
Modern Holiday's Beginnings
The modern holiday was created after World War II in 1948. It was a way to mark new changes in Japan's laws. These changes included basic human rights and better rights for workers.
Today, Niiname-sai is still held. The Imperial House of Japan celebrates it privately on the same day. But Labor Thanksgiving Day is now a public national holiday for everyone.
Other Labor Celebrations
Many trade unions in Japan also celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1. They hold large gatherings and marches in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
How Labor Thanksgiving Day is Celebrated
On Labor Thanksgiving Day, people show their appreciation for workers.
Showing Appreciation
School children often make cards or gifts. They give these to people who work hard for the community. This includes police officers, firefighters, and hospital staff. They also thank members of the Japan Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard. This shows how much their contributions are valued.
Company and Family Celebrations
Companies also take time to look at what they've achieved. They congratulate their employees for their hard work and dedication. Families often gather together for dinner at home. It's also a day when people are encouraged to relax and take care of themselves.
See also
