Chinese Holidays - China Youth Day

In May, China traditionally celebrates Youth Day. The date of the holiday is May 4. It has its own history and traditions. At the end of the 19th century, the Emperor of China, under pressure from Germany, was forced to lease land on the Shandong Peninsula to her. In 2012, the monarchy in China was abolished, and Emperor Pu Yi received guarantees of immunity. The new government tried to free the country from obligations under unequal treaties. At the beginning of World War II, China declared neutrality, asking warring parties not to fight on its territory. Ignoring the request, the Japanese captured Shandong, presenting demands to the Chinese government for special rights throughout the country. China, torn apart by political upheavals, recognized them. Under pressure from world powers, the Chinese broke off diplomatic relations with Germany. In 1919, after the end of World War II, representatives of the countries that defeated Germany gathered in Paris. The further structure of the world was being decided. The Chinese hoped that their territory would be returned to them and relieved of all obligations, but the victorious countries did not do this. This injustice caused a wave of indignation. A student demonstration took place in Beijing on May 4. Thousands of workers in Shanghai went on strike and were supported by traders. The government was looking for a way out of the political crisis: it fired several ministers associated with Japan and refused to sign a peace treaty. In 1922, Japan returned the captured lands to China, but retained its special rights in these territories. For the first time, Youth Day began to be celebrated on May 4 in the province of Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia. This was the decision of local youth organizations, which found support from the Kuomintang (the ruling party of China at that time). Then the holiday began to be celebrated: - May 4 (in the territory controlled by the Communists), - March 29 (where the Kuomintang was in charge). In 1949, after the unification of China, May 4 became the official date of the holiday. On this day, the Chinese work, but on a reduced schedule. The holiday is celebrated with rallies, thematic lectures, articles in periodicals, and performances by creative groups. This day is a reminder to the Chinese that only a strong country can protect its interests.