Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan

When did the Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan start?

The first recorded date of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan being celebrated on October 25 was in the year 1945.

About Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan Holiday

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is a time to commemorate a pivotal point of Taiwan’s history and a reminder of the courage and resilience of its people. On October 25th, 1945, Taiwan was officially handed over from Japanese rule to the Republic of China, formally ending fifty years of Japanese rule.

This day of celebration marks an important milestone in Taiwan’s road to increase in autonomy from mainland China and promotes national identity for its population, particularly its younger generations. Consequently, a number of events take place across Taiwan on this public holiday: concerts, exhibitions, performing arts, and parades. This year’s celebration will include a torchlight parade going through major Taiwan city streets, signature dishes, famous regional dishes, and storytelling about Taiwan’s past.

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is a reminder for citizens to reflect on their history and strive toward a brighter future. Citizens of all ages will proudly join in on celebrations this year to reflect on the struggles and successes of Taiwan and to embrace this important event in Taiwan’s history.

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day: A Comprehensive Look

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is an important holiday that marks the anniversary of the formal end of the Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan and the start of Taiwan’s unique “Republic of China” government. Celebrated annually on October 25th, the day is a chance for locals to remember their heritage and cherish the national identity that comes with it.

History and Origin

The history of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day dates back to 1895 when the Republic of China was founded. At the time, Japan had complete control of the island, and it wasn’t until the post-war period that Taiwan formally returned to the sovereignty of the Republic of China. On October 25th, 1945, the control of Taiwan was officially handed over to the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) on behalf of the Republic of China. Since then, Taiwan’s Retrocession Day has been celebrated as a symbol of the Taiwanese identity and national pride.

The formal end of Japanese control in Taiwan was not welcomed by all of its citizens and a number of rebellions occurred in Taiwan soon after as parts of the population hoped to remain autonomous. As a result, the 1946 February 28 Incident took place and resulted in a long period of repression and Taiwanese subjugation. Even so, the Republic of China administration continued to reign in Taiwan until 1949 when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seized control of mainland China. After the conquest, the Nationalist Government of the Republic of China fled to Taiwan and declared the island its capital.

Significance and Meaning

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is a significant holiday both politically and culturally. The day represents the spirit of resilience, independence, progress, and hope that has driven the nation forward since 1945. For many of the local Taiwanese population, the holiday is a chance to reflect on the difficult history of Taiwan and look to a brighter future.

Moreover, Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is an opportunity for locals to celebrate the diverse cultural identity of the nation. Taiwan is a unique blend of many different cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, aboriginal, and several different immigrant influences from all over the world. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the power of culture.

Traditions and Celebrations

On October 25th each year, Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is celebrated with a range of public events and gatherings. Events are typically centred around the historical sites that symbolize the national identity of Taiwan and remind people of the importance of freedom and democracy. Some of the most popular activities include concerts, street festivals, parades, fireworks shows, and other various performances and activities.

The day is also marked with special military parades, in which veterans of the Taiwanese military march in full military regalia to commemorate their service to the nation and to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles for independence. During the day, many important political and social speeches are given in honour of the nation and the hard-earned values of freedom, democracy, and justice.

Geographical Spread

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is celebrated throughout the country, with all major cities and towns usually hosting some sort of celebration. In the capital city of Taipei, celebrations are particularly grand with a large parade organised by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. The parade includes performances from various traditional dance troupes, marching bands, and local theatre companies.

In the north of the country, the cities of Taichung and Hsinchu have a special relationship with bustling events around the time of the holiday. There are usually giant fireworks displays in these cities as well as traditional Chinese lion dance performances.

In the south of Taiwan, there is generally a more laid-back approach to celebrations. In the popular holiday resort city of Kaohsiung, locals gather for a lively carnival atmosphere, with stalls selling a variety of Taiwanese street food and delicacies.

Modern Day Observations

Nowadays, the celebration of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is becoming increasingly popular. People from all over the world travel to Taiwan to take part in the festivities, and the national holiday has also become popular among international tourists. This is also due to the government’s increased efforts to promote the cultural identity of Taiwan, as well as the nation’s rich history and culture.

Since the 1990s, the day has seen an increase in festivities, with more events, activities, and performances planned. In 2020, for instance, the capital city of Taipei hosted several large-scale concerts and protests in addition to their parades.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is the national holiday of Taiwan, and a public holiday in the Chinese-speaking world.
• The number ‘eight25’ is used to represent the day of the holiday, as 8 is pronounced ‘ba’ in Chinese and 25 is the day’s numerical date.
• The Chinese name for Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is ‘Light Return Day’, as it marks the end of the darkness of Japanese occupation.
• The military parade held to commemorate Taiwan’s Retrocession Day has been held since 2000 in some capacity.
• October 25th is also a memorial day for the victims of the February 28th Incident.
• According to some estimates, up to 18,000 people were killed during the February 28th Incident, a result of the KMT’s retaliatory military action against those who sought independence from the KMT.
• Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is also called October Restoration Day, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Day.
• Taiwan’s government has released a special postage stamp every year to commemorate the holiday.

Holiday Wishes

• Wishing you a very happy Taiwan’s Retrocession Day!
• May this day bring peace, love and joy to your life.
• May Taiwan’s Retrocession Day bring our nation closer together.
• Celebrate Taiwan and cherish the freedom it represents.
• Let us all join together to celebrate this day of retrocession.

Holiday Messages

• Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is a reminder of the strength of our nation.
• Let us honour the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.
• Let us honour and preserve our proud heritage.
• Let us salute the courage and character of the Taiwanese people.
• Let us celebrate the progress of our proud nation.

Holiday Quotes

• “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
• “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” – MLK Jr.

Other Popular Holiday Info

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is also celebrated in Taiwan’s classrooms, with young children learning about the important history behind the holiday. Coupled with the annual activities, the day is also used as an opportunity to promote national unity. In recent years, the government has awarded numerous scholarships and awards to local student groups to recognize those who actively encourage the national spirit.

The ongoing pandemic has led many people to rethink how to properly commemorate the holiday in socially distanced and safe settings. Despite the obstacles of the past year, the nation has been able to successfully adjust to a new normal and find unique ways to celebrate the holiday, such as virtual exhibitions and online performances. In 2021, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has launched a special online campaign called ‘Light Returned’, encouraging citizens to take a pilgrimage around the nation’s historical sites and to share their experiences online.

The success and popularity of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day is a testament to the spirit of the nation, and to its resilience in times of both adversity and peace. As the nation moves forward, let us continue to honor and celebrate the importance of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day.