When did the Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia start?
About Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia Holiday
Today, December 26th marks an important day for Mongolia. It is known as Repression Victims’ Day, and it is a time to remember those who were impacted by political repression in our country. This day is observed in Mongolia as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the freedoms taken away by the oppressive regimes of the past.
Political repression has been a part of Mongolia’s history for decades, and it has left scars that will never fully heal. For many of us, this day entails reflecting on the oppression and injustice inflicted by those in power. We take a moment to honor those who have suffered and perished as a result of these oppressive practices. Our hearts go out to them, and we hold a special place for them in our collective memory.
On this day, we also vow to fight for the freedom and the rights of all citizens of Mongolia. We pledge to resist every form of oppression and injustice, so that our country can be a place where all can live in peace and freedom. On this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to liberation and freedom for the people of Mongolia. We ask everyone to come together and unite in our fight against oppression, for the justice of all people in our country.
History and Origin of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
Every country must remember and honor those who faced persecution and losses during periods of violence and unrest, and Mongolia is one of those countries. Repression Victims’ Day has been celebrated annually on October 10th since 1999 in honor of those who lost their lives and freedom during the colonial-era political repression of the Mongolian People’s Republic in the 1930s.
Mongolia became a part of the Soviet Union after the military defeat of the White Russian troops in 1921. Many Mongolians saw the revolution as a way to regain full independence and reclaim their land. But, the Communist government had a different agenda. It was marked by heavy censorship, crackdowns on liberty and civil society, executions and exile as a means to ensure its reign did not suffer any challenge. The result of these oppressive policies was the more than 20,000 people, who were victims of political repression and later executed or given long sentences in Stalinist prisons and labor camps.
To remember and honor those who suffered and sacrificed at the hands of the Communist government, the then president of Mongolia, Natsagiin Bagabandi, proclaimed October 10th as the Victims of Political Repression Memorial Day. Ironically, it is the same day that marked the 70th anniversary of the Collectivization of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1929. This very fact serves as a reminder of the struggle of oppressed people to reclaim their dignities and freedoms for future generations.
Significance and Meaning of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
Each year on October 10th, Mongolians and members of the Mongolian Diaspora commemorate and celebrate the victims of political repression during the colonial-era of the Soviet Union. Repression Victims’ Day serves as an acknowledgment and recognition to the people who faced unfair cruelty and torture and fought on despite the odds.
The holiday gives the people of Mongolia to recognize those whose names have been forgotten, to pause and gain a deep understanding of how heinous policy can become when a powerful figure can wield their power without any accountability. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and learn from the past in order to ensure such events are never repeated.
Traditions and Celebrations of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
On Repression Victims’ Day, people gather at the centre of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, to commemorate and honor the victims of Soviet Union’s oppression. Numerous events are organised throughout the city including a commemorative ceremony, marches, lectures, art exhibitions and music festivals.
The day starts with a biographical march titled “the line of the victims”, where people walk in groups carrying photos and placards of those who were persecuted and later died in the Stalinist prisons and labor camps. Individuals and families dress in traditional Mongolian clothes to attend the march and celebrate the day.
Moreover, numerous events such as concerts and lectures are organised throughout the country to spread awareness of the victims of the regime and shed light on the evils of oppression. Art galleries and museums showcase work of art of the survivors, which offer valuable insight into the movement against violation of human rights and the struggle for freedom.
Geographical Spread of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
Repression Victims’ Day is celebrated mainly in Mongolia and by the Mongolian Diaspora around the world, especially among the Mongolian American immigrants. Besides Mongolia, the day is observed in parts of North Asia, particularly in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and parts of Europe including Poland, Romania, Hungary and Lithuania.
The day is observed with traditional practices, such as wearing traditional clothing and offering prayers. In the same way, some communities around the world have adopted customs reflective of their own culture. For example, Mongolian Americans in the United States celebrate the day through the remembrance of victims of religious and political persecution.
Moreover, countries that also mark similar days of remembrance, such as Lithuania, marks the day as Revolution Victims’ Remembrance Day, Poland celebrates the day as Victims of Communist Oppression Day, and Romania marks it as People’s Martyrs Day.
Modern Day Observations of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
In Mongolia, the government and citizens have taken several initiatives to recognize and honor the victims of political repression since Repression Victims’ Day was declared in 1999. To commemorate the day, the government and several NGOs have founded memorial museums in Ulaanbaatar, and opened monuments, statues, and flags to commemorate the victims of the oppressive regime.
The United Nations and other global bodies are also involved in acknowledging and recognizing the significance of Repression Victims’ Day, emphasizing the importance of honoring the victims and learning the lessons from past political oppression.
Interesting Facts or Trivia of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
Mongolians believe that October 10th was chosen to commemorate the victims of political repression as a reminder of the suffering of the past. As a symbolic overture, the new democratic government was inaugurated on October 10th of 1990 following almost 70 years of Soviet-style political repression.
October 10th falls within the Golden Eagle Migration Festival in Mongolia. This is held every year to celebrate the return of the migrating Golden Eagles, which, for the Khalkh Mongol, is a sign of rebirth and renewal.
The city of Ulaanbaatar has been selected as the UNESCO City of Peace. This is in recognition of the city’s success in promoting peace and nonviolence while also having recognized the victims of political repression and honoring their memory.
Mongolia was the first nation to proclaim October 10th as ‘International Repression Victims’ Day’. Many countries in Asia and Europe have since followed suit, officially declaring it as a particular date of remembrance.
The victims of political repression are buried at the ‘Altar of the Fallen’. This is a memorial to the victims situated on a hilltop near the Mongolian National University.
The memorials, monuments, statues, and flags opened to commemorate the victims of the oppressive regime are constantly maintained and preserved.
Holiday Wishes of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
1. May we never forget the many courageous souls who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
2. May we keep the memory of those who lived and died fighting and resisting oppression alive.
3. May we remember the victims of political repression and their exceptional strength and courage.
4. May we continue to honor the struggles and sacrifices of all those who fought for freedom.
5. May we stand in solidarity with the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for justice and peace.
Holiday Messages of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
1. Let us take time and remember the victims of political repression today and for always.
2. A day of remembrance and respect for those who fought injustice and oppression.
3. Take a moment to honor the victims of political repression and their struggle for liberty.
4. Honor the memory of those who fought repression with courage and determination.
5. Let us continue to strive for a world of justice, freedom, and humanity.
Holiday Quotes of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
1. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” –Thomas Jefferson
2. “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty.” –Thomas Jefferson
3. “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” –Douglas Adams
4. “No one can give you freedom. Freedom is something you take.” – Angela Davis
5. “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” –Albert Camus
Other Popular Holiday Info of Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia
During the Mongolian celebration of Repression Victims’ Day, the nation not only honors the victims of the Stalinist regime but also includes symbolic acts of peace and togetherness. Several international visitors, refugees, different ethnic communities, and different religious groups attend the memorial events.
Moreover, there are programs dedicated to educating the youth about the suffering of the victims as well as the importance of advocacy against repression and violation of human rights. This strengthens the connection between the various minority groups in the country’s grassroots to oppose any policy of repression.
In addition, Repression Victims’ Day also highlights the importance of respect for survivors and victims of political repression. As a result, it provides a platform for individuals and organizations to come together and contribute to a culture of respect and understanding that is essential for any kind of meaningful progress or betterment.
The day is also important for historical perspectives and learning about the past. The day provides a sober reminder about the consequences of oppressive regimes, while also emphasizing the resilience of the people who faced tyranny and violence and eventually triumphed anyway. It is with this very spirit that Mongolia celebrates Repression Victims’ Day.
Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia Also Called
Victims of Political Repression memorial day.
FUN FACT:
In year 2009, Repression Victims’ Day in Mongolia is celebrated on September 10 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!