各国不同的儿童节

陈传光

Childrens Day is one of the happiest days for children， but not all children in the world have it on June 1st. In fact， there are many dates and ways to celebrate it all over the world. Different countries have their own special day for children in their own way. They even have different histories about the holiday.

对孩子们来说，儿童节是最令他们开心的节日之一。但不是所有的孩子都会在6月1日这天过儿童节。事实上，世界各地在不同的日子用不同的方式来庆祝这个节日。各个国家会用自己独特的方式为孩子们庆祝这特别的一天。儿童节在不同国家的来历也大不相同。

However， the two most well-known ones are Universal Childrens Day and International Childrens Day. Universal Childrens Day is on November 20 each year. It is introduced by the United Nations in 1954 to encourage all countries to improve the understanding and welfare1 of children around the world. International Childrens Day is on June 1st of every year. It is set by the world conference in 1925. On this day， speeches are made and activities are held for the welfare of children in many countries.

但是，人们普遍最熟悉的是世界儿童节和国际儿童节。世界儿童节在每年的11月20日。这个节日是联合国在1954年为了鼓励各国增进对孩子的理解和增加孩子福祉而专门设立的。国际儿童节在每年的6月1日。它是在1925年举行的世界大会上确定的。许多国家在6月1日会进行关于儿童福祉的演讲和庆祝活动。

In China， people celebrate childrens day on June 1st. It is formally known as“the June 1st International Childrens Day”. Its an official holiday in our country， so children can have a one-day break on this day. Many cinemas， parks and museums are opened for free for all kids on this special day. Campings and trips are also organized for the children to enjoy the day. Special children programs are on TV and radio. In some places， children put performances on the street. Wearing new and beautiful clothes， children dance and sing. Celebration parties are also held by elementary schools for young kids. On the holiday， kids may also be given lucky money from family members and friends.

在中国，人们在6月1日这一天庆祝儿童节。节日的正式名称为“六一国际儿童节”。在我们国家，儿童节是一个法定假日，孩子们在这一天可以不用上课。在这个特别的日子，许多电影院、公园和博物馆都会对孩子们免费开放。大人们会组织孩子们宿营和外出旅游，让他们开心地玩一天。电视和广播都会播出儿童节特别节目。在一些地方，孩子们还会穿上漂亮的新衣服上街载歌载舞。小学也会为孩子们举行一些庆祝派对。在这一天，孩子们有可能还会收到来自家人和朋友们的红包。

In America， Childrens Day is still not a fixed date on the national level. Along the history， the dates have changed constantly2. But one thing is certain： Many places in America celebrate Childrens Day in the meaning of religion3. Kids are the presents of God. People want to bring up their children as Gods will.

在美国，儿童节还算不上一个全国统一的固定节。在美国历史上，儿童节的日期几经变迁，但是有一点是肯定的，美国许多地方庆祝儿童节都有自身的宗教意义。孩子是上帝赐予的礼物，人们想按照上帝的意愿将孩子抚养成人。

The Japanese have two days for their children： Boys Day on May 5 and Girls Day on March 3. On May 5， families with boys hang colorful kites in the shape of fish. In Japanese culture， fish means courage and strength. The Japanese wishes their boys to be brave and strong in this way. On Girls Day， the family usually put a set of dolls in kimono4 in the house， wishing girls healthy growth and happiness.

日本的孩子有两个特别的节日：一个是5月5日的男孩节，另一个是3月3日的女孩节。在5月5日这一天，有男孩子的家庭会挂起许多鱼形的风筝。在日本文化中，鲤鱼是勇气和力量的象征。他们用这种方式来寄托让孩子长得英勇健壮的期望。家长在女孩节这一天会将一系列穿着漂亮和服的玩具娃娃摆放在女孩房间里，他们希望自己家的女孩儿们健康成长、美满幸福。

Whatever the dates and the activities， people all over the world have one common wish on this day—they wish their children to be healthy and happy. In another word， the holiday is a day to show adults love， care and hope for children.

无论儿童节在哪天过或是怎么过，全天下的人们都通过它寄托了一个共同的愿望，那就是希望自己的孩子健康、幸福。换言之，儿童节是成年人展现对孩子们的爱护、关心和希望的节日。