Respect for the Aged Day
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of Respect for the Aged Day in Japan.
History & Origins of Respect for the Aged Day
Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi) in Japan is a national holiday celebrated on the third Monday of September. Historically arising in 1947 from a small village initiative in Hyogo Prefecture that held a 'convention of elders', the holiday was declared a national public holiday in 1966 to honor senior citizens for their long years of service to society and celebrate longevity.
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
Communities host special volunteer groups to distribute free bento lunches to the elderly, local schools perform traditional songs for grandparents, and the government presents silver commemorative cups to citizens who turned 100.
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