June 1 — International Children's Day: history, traditions and meaning of the holiday

In early summer, Russia and several dozen other countries celebrate International Children's Day, a holiday dedicated to every child on Earth. Read about when this celebration originated and how it is held in different parts of the world in the Izvestia article.

The history of Children's Day

The first event resembling modern Children's Day was organized in 1857 by Pastor Charles Leonard. On the second Sunday of June, he held a special divine service in the American city of Chelsea, dedicated to children and teenagers. Over time, this day became known as Rose Day.

At the international level, the creation of such a holiday was considered only at the beginning of the 20th century. After the end of the First World War, millions of minors were left without parents and faced poverty. To enable them to realize at least basic needs, in 1924 the League of Nations adopted the first declaration on the Rights of the child. This document enshrined the right of children to support, nutrition, medical care, protection from exploitation and assistance in difficult situations.

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In 1925, the first World Conference on the Welfare of Children was held in Geneva. It was proposed to establish an International Children's Day, but the participants did not agree on a single date for the celebration. Nevertheless, some countries have included this holiday in their national calendars.

The real international status of Children's Day was granted in 1949. After the Second World War, which claimed millions of lives, exacerbating the problems of homelessness, child mortality and poverty, the International Democratic Federation of Women took the initiative to establish a new holiday. It was first celebrated on June 1, 1950, and celebrations were held in 51 countries around the world.

In 1959, another date for Children's Day appeared — November 20. On this day, the UN adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Child, based on the Geneva Declaration. The document proclaimed equal rights for children of all nationalities, races, genders and faiths, and also emphasized the need for compulsory free primary education. In 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, one of the most widely ratified international human rights treaties in the world, was created on the basis of these documents.

Children's Day in 2025: date, essence of the holiday

In Russia, Children's Day is celebrated annually on June 1. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday.

Children's Day in most countries is held in a joyful atmosphere. The little culprits of the celebration receive gifts and treats, participate in contests, watch performances and play outdoor games. However, the meaning of the holiday is not only fun — for adults, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by children around the world.: lack of education, lack of benefits, involvement in harmful work, illness, hunger.

According to the UN, about 160 million minors are involved in child labor — almost one in ten children in the world. Since 2000, this figure has decreased by 85.5 million people. A difficult situation is also observed with the provision of nutrition to children — in 2023, about 30 million children from 15 countries suffered from acute malnutrition. Of these, 8 million experienced severe or fatal exhaustion.

Children's Day in 2025 — in Russia and other countries

In Russia, Children's Day falls at the beginning of the summer school holidays, turning into a bright and eventful event. On this holiday, various sports competitions, funny flash mobs, concerts, theatrical performances, master classes, picnics and exhibitions are held throughout the country. Large-scale festivals are organized in large cities, covering a wide variety of interests of young participants. Sometimes sweet treats, balloons and memorable gifts are distributed on the streets, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration for kids.

In Germany, this day is known as Kindertag. In most regions, it is celebrated on June 1, but in some areas the date is postponed to September 20. On this day, children receive gifts and warm congratulations from their parents, as well as participate in school events.: guided tours, class hours, and holiday matinees.

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Concerts and theatrical performances for children and teenagers are organized in China on June 1. Many museums, cinemas, and other institutions provide free admission or substantial discounts on tickets for minors.

Spain celebrates Children's Day on January 5th. The holiday is known as King of Magic Day. Colorful parades with decorated cars are held on this day, and sweets are distributed to children. Every kid can approach the magic King, read him a poem, or promise to behave and study harder. For this, the wizard gives you a small souvenir or gift.

There are two special children's holidays in Japan. May 5 is Boys' Day (Kodomo no hi), when sports competitions and games are held; children are taught about Japanese military culture, shown samurai armor and weapons. And on March 3, on Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri), families with their daughters put up a stand with ritual dolls near the house. Then mothers and daughters put on beautiful kimonos and go to visit friends and relatives for tea with traditional sweets.

Earlier, Izvestia told how Russia celebrates Daughter's Day and what traditions are associated with it.