When did the Special Working Day in China start?
About Special Working Day in China Holiday
Special Working Day in China honors the nation-building efforts of the Chinese people. Celebrated on a range of dates, depending on localities, this national holiday honors laborers, entrepreneurs, and other industrial workers for their contributions to the economy.
The holiday emphasizes the importance of hard work and tries to promote an effective work ethic among the citizens of China. It is mostly celebrated with ceremonies by various labor unions, governments, and organizations, to recognize and pay homage to the workers’ services and contributions to society. Major cities across the country hold special events and gatherings to honor local laborers.
It is a day that pays tribute to the ordinary people who make extraordinary changes. It is a day to celebrate the value of labor, humanity, and prosperity for all. Working together, we can help build a strong, prosperous China!
Introduction to Special Working Day in China
China is home to the world’s oldest continual civilization, and it has a diverse and long list of national holidays celebrated throughout the year. Every region in the country has its own unique customs and traditions surrounding each of these holidays, with some being more prominent in one region than another.
One of the most important such holidays among the cultural calendar is Special Working Day in China, known as “sì wǔ kuài bào jié” in Chinese. The day is celebrated largely in China’s southeastern region where people take time off to reflect on the five cardinal relationships introduced by Confucius: Emperor and subjects, priests and people, father and son, older and younger siblings, and husband and wife. This holiday has been celebrated for more than two millennia and is often Japan alongside the second day of the second lunar month.
History and Origin of Special Working Day in China
The history of Special Working Day in China dates back to the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC), and perhaps even earlier. It was during this time that Confucius, who lived from 551–479 BC, introduced the five cardinal relationships, which formed the basis of Special Working Day.
The Confucian order of life is central to the Chinese worldview and culture which promotes peace and respect through the five processes of thinking, speaking, acting, governing, and reverence. Special Working Day was a way for citizens to take a day and practice these ideals — whether it consisted of showing respect to elders, praying, or retracing the teachings of Confucius.
Though the day traditionally was attached to the lunar calendar, it was made a national holiday in 2008 and thereafter, it was placed on the modern Gregorian calendar in order to spread the message of Confucianism widely and clearly.
Significance and Meaning of Special Working Day in China
Special Working Day celebrates the teachings of Confucius and the five cardinal relationships he said creates harmony in the world. The five relationships are the cornerstone of Chinese culture and observing them creates an ideal world order. The relationships are as follows:
Emperor and Subjects – Respect to the emperor from his people is key to a smooth functioning monarchy.
Priests and People – Respect to priests for their wisdom and for filling the world with knowledge.
Father and Son – Respect to the father who sets the example for his children of ethical behavior and conduct.
Older and Younger Siblings – Respect to the older sibling for taking the lead and teaching their younger siblings valuable life lessons.
Husband and Wife – Respect to the husband for being the protector of the family and providing the wife with security.
By taking a day off to honor these relationships, the people of China remind themselves of the Confucius values and core teachings of Chinese identity.
Traditions and Celebrations of Special Working Day in China
Special Working Day is celebrated primarily in the southeastern region of China, where traditions are particularly observed. On the day itself, people take a full day off to reflect and practice the five cardinal relationships.
There are several traditional activities observed on this day. One of the most popular is called the “Taejongsa” practice, which consists of homage to ancestors before offering food to the gods — a tradition derived from Confucianism. This is performed after each person has dedicated a moment to think about the meaning behind the five cardinal relationships.
The day is also celebrated with seminars, book readings and discussions about Confucius and his teachings. People will also spend time with their family and celebrate the day by reminiscing while eating a meal together.
Geographical Spread of Special Working Day in China
Special Working Day is commonly celebrated in the southeastern region of China, though people around the country observe the day in their own ways.
Hong Kong is well known for its celebrations, where people spend the day reflecting on Confucius’ teachings, visiting temples, and honoring the five relationships. In the city of Kaohsiung, a special parade is organized every year wherein several teams from over 190 primary and secondary schools mingle and perform together to show their adherence to Confucian philosophy.
In Fujian, a massive celebration is held in Quanzhou which is the birthplace of Confucius himself and home to the largest Confucius Temple in all of China. The event includes a procession on ritual ceremonies, food offerings, and prayers for guidance led by the local priest.
Modern Day Observations of Special Working Day in China
In modern times, Special Working Day is celebrated with more vigor and enthusiasm than ever before. Nowadays, people also take up projects or social issues on the day whereby they clean up the area, plant trees, or partake in blood donation events. There has also been a rise in folk music and dance events to commemorate the day.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Special Working Day in China
1. Special Working Day is a time to honor the elderly and take care of them – children are expected to look after their parents or grandparents on the day, providing them with food and help in completing any tasks.
2. Special Working Day marks a special time of the year for married couples. On this day, the wife is expected to bow in front of her in-laws with a bowl of tea, as a sign of respect and appreciation.
3. Special Working Day also has a strong connection with books, and reading is an important part of many people’s observance of the day. It is also usual to visit the Confucian Temple on the day to pay respects to Confucius and learn about his teachings.
4. Special Working Day is preceded by a full-moon celebration known as the “Lantern Festival” in many parts of the country. On this night, people come together and float sky lanterns – wishes written on paper – into the night sky.
5. Special Working Day is a time of gathering and celebration, and many families set off large fireworks at the end of the day to bid farewell to the five cardinal relationships and prepare for the next day’s tasks.
Holiday Wishes
1.May this Special Working Day bring with it the essence of love, respect, and harmony!
2.May all the lessons taught by Confucius enlighten and guide you!
3.May your relationships be a reflection of the five cardinal relationships that Confucius taught us!
4.May your heart be filled with joy this Special Working Day!
5.Wishing you and your loved ones peace and cheer on this special day!
Holiday Messages
1. May the love and respect for all relationships enrich this Special Working Day!
2. May the celebration of Special Working Day bring harmony and renewal for all!
3. May Confucius light the path of wisdom this Special Working Day!
4. Wishing you a beautiful Special Working Day filled with love and understanding!
5. May your days be filled with blessings and joy on this Special Working Day!
Holiday Quotes
1. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
2. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
3. “The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius
4. “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius
5. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
Other Popular Holiday Info
Many people in China consider Special Working Day an important time to practice lessons from Confucius and follow in the elderly’s footsteps in terms of culture and customs.
Special Working Day is seen as a time to nurture relationships with one another, showing appreciation for each other. Though the holiday may have diminished in significance in recent years, the core values of respecting one’s elders and appreciating the traditions of family still remain the same.
In cities such as Guangzhou and Beijing, activities such as festivals, lectures, story-telling and podcast listening are increasingly common. These activities serve as both a reminder of the importance of Special Working Day, as well as motivating participants to practice the five cardinal relationships in their own lives, even beyond the holiday itself.
Beyond this, Special Working Day also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation. By taking time out of their busy lives to celebrate this holiday, people in China are also simultaneously taking the time to preserve traditional values and customs from generations past. This symbolizes the ongoing reverence of in the Confucian order of life and its profound significance in the Chinese culture.
How to Say "Special Working Day in China" In Different Languages?
- Burmese
- အလုပ်သမားအလုပ်ကိန်း (my-MM)
- Filipino
- Araw ng Pagtatrabaho ng Espesyal (fil-PH)
- Indonesian
- Hari Kerja Khusus (id-ID)
- Japanese
- 特別勤務日 (ja-JP)
- Khmer
- ថ្ងៃធ្វើការពិញ្ចឹកក្រោមពីរដូចជា (km-KH)
- Korean
- 특별 근무일 (ko-KR)
- Korean
- 특별 근무일 (ko-KR)
- Lao
- ວັນວານຊໍາລະເງີນຖ່າຍ (lo-LA)
- Malay
- Hari Bekerja Khas (ms-MY)
- Simplified Chinese
- 特殊工作日 (zh-Hans)
- Thai
- วันพักงานใหญ่ (th-TH)
- Traditional Chinese
- 特殊工作日 (zh-Hant-TW)
- Traditional Chinese
- 特別工作日 (zh-Hant-HK)
- Traditional Chinese
- 特殊工作日 (zh-Hant-MO)
- Vietnamese
- Ngày Làm Việc Đặc Biệt (vi-VN)
Special Working Day in China Also Called
Golden Week.
FUN FACT:
In year 1949, Special Working Day in China is celebrated on October 8 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!
Li Auto reports 106% jump in January deliveries By Investing.com
BEIJING – Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) Inc. (NASDAQ:LI; HKEX:2015), a prominent player in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, has reported a significant year-over-year increase of 105.8% in its January 2024 vehicle deliveries, totaling 31,165 vehicles. This surge has propelled the company’s cumulative deliveries to 664,529 as of January’s end. On Monday, Xiang Li, the chairman and CEO of Li Auto, highlighted the company’s success with its three SUV models in the previous year, which led to Li Auto becoming the best-selling brand in the SUV category for vehicles priced over RMB 300,000. Additionally, Li Auto topped the NEV market in China for vehicles within the same price range. The company is gearing up for an ambitious year with plans to…
‘Village IPs’ nurture new opportunities for rural development
GUIYANG — As the night falls, 30-year-old Yan Yiting and his wife were still busy working at their own rolled-rice noodles stall in Rongjiang county in Southwest China’s Guizhou province. Their snack stall is close to the stadium, which hosts the “Village Night,” the local version of the Spring Festival Gala, and the renowned Village Super League (Cun Chao), the village football league. As a result, customer traffic at the stall has dramatically increased. “Our business is pretty good today, and it is estimated that our stall will stay open until one or two o’clock in the early morning,” Yan said while greeting guests, adding that he had already sold more than 700 rolled-rice noodles, and hardly taken a break.…
Chinese millennials shunning Lunar New Year travel
BEIJING — Following a long-held tradition, many Chinese people travel great distances for the Spring Festival. But millennials are increasingly bucking the trend, making their own plans. For Lunar New Year on Feb. 10, Cassidy Yu has opted for a road trip with a friend instead of a family reunion. This won’t be her first time skipping the trek home. “Heading home for the occasion doesn’t get me excited anymore,” says Yu, a 32-year-old marketing professional from Shenzhen, a city in southern China. As a child, she relished simple rituals of the Lunar New Year: home decorations, firecrackers and feast after feast. Not anymore. “With so many entertainment options available today, I’d rather travel and have a quieter holiday.” Like…
Will China now play a long or short game against Taiwan?
Beijing [China], January 23 (ANI): Following the Taiwanese people’s refusal to buckle to Chinese coercion in the January 13 elections, voting back into power the incumbent Democratic People’s Party (DPP) with its new leader Lai Ching-te, opinion varies as to what Beijing’s next course of action will be. Will China make a precipitative military move against Taiwan, or will it continue its policy of incessant coercion? China’s reaction has been rather subdued so far, though this does not preclude more vigorous actions before Lai assumes office in May. Notably, though, China hit back almost immediately by announcing on January 15 that Nauru was switching recognition from Taiwan to Beijing. Taiwan now has diplomatic ties with just twelve nations as China…
World News | Will China Now Play a Long or Short Game Against Taiwan? | LatestLY
Beijing [China], January 23 (ANI): Following the Taiwanese people’s refusal to buckle to Chinese coercion in the January 13 elections, voting back into power the incumbent Democratic People’s Party (DPP) with its new leader Lai Ching-te, opinion varies as to what Beijing’s next course of action will be. Will China make a precipitative military move against Taiwan, or will it continue its policy of incessant coercion? China’s reaction has been rather subdued so far, though this does not preclude more vigorous actions before Lai assumes office in May. Also Read | ‘Zombie Viruses’: Climate Change Unleashes Ancient Threat As 48,500-Year-Old Virus Resurfaces From the Depths of Arctic Ice- Experts Warn of a Potential Global Pandemic Risk. Notably, though, China hit…
Bridesmaids-for-hire business booms in China
BEIJING: The practice of hiring bridesmaids for weddings is becoming increasingly popular, as more people recognise it offers a solution to the dilemma of finding suitable attendants for brides away from home while eliminating the awkwardness of social indebtedness. Professional bridesmaids offer their services on various online platforms, including social media apps. The bridesmaids advertise their reliability, attentiveness and the high level of coordination they can offer on the wedding day. One advertisement read: “I am available to be hired as a bridesmaid. I have average looks so I won’t steal the spotlight from the bride. I promise I won’t embarrass her on the wedding day and I can be the bride’s best friend, secretary, caretaker, assistant, bodyguard…” The bridesmaids…
ZK International Group Ltd. Strengthens Competitive Position In Western China Gas Market ($ZKIN)
WENZHOU, China, Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ZK International (NASDAQ: ZKIN) shares have been surging, evidenced by a triple-digit percentage price increase 139% since the start of November. But investors didn’t miss the chance entirely. Some profit-taking into the holiday weekend keeps the opportunity in play. In fact, the value proposition strengthened on the heels of another major deal signed. Last week, ZKIN announced securing an $8 million bid in collaboration with Chongqing Gas Group. That deal does more than create a new revenue stream; it strengthens ZKIN’s position as a key supplier and contractor in the Western China gas market. It’s no small opportunity. Chongqing City is the fourth largest Chinese city, with an estimated urban population of 16.34…
ZK International Group Ltd. Strengthens Competitive Position In Western China Gas Market ($ZKIN) – ZK International Gr Co (NASDAQ:ZKIN)
WENZHOU, China, Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ZK International ZKIN shares have been surging, evidenced by a triple-digit percentage price increase 139% since the start of November. But investors didn’t miss the chance entirely. Some profit-taking into the holiday weekend keeps the opportunity in play. In fact, the value proposition strengthened on the heels of another major deal signed. Last week, ZKIN announced securing an $8 million bid in collaboration with Chongqing Gas Group. That deal does more than create a new revenue stream; it strengthens ZKIN’s position as a key supplier and contractor in the Western China gas market. It’s no small opportunity. Chongqing City is the fourth largest Chinese city, with an estimated urban population of 16.34 million.…
A Holiday Gift Guide Featuring the Latest Lifestyle Tech Trends with Huawei’s latest Products
SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As holiday season draws near, it’s about time to hit the stores again and surprise your loved ones. Whether it’s a gift of love and appreciation expressed during Christmas, or a good luck present to help that person embark on a brand New Year, we all want to present a gift that’s practical in function yet also trendy in design. Oftentimes, there’s a great struggle to find a gift that checks off both boxes, which is why we’ve put together a gift guide for the lost shoppers who need a little inspiration, starting with the latest trends in Lifestyle Tech. Accessorising with Tech: Fashionable Tech Wearables As technology makes its way into various…