Respect for elders - this ancient tradition is given special attention to Eastern peoples and nationalities. It consists not only in adherence to certain rules of behavior, but also in the attitude towards the older generation. In Japan, the Day of Honoring the Elderly is treated with special trepidation. This holiday is celebrated by everyone, without exception, and is considered one of the brightest and most beloved in the country.
Concept and history of origin
"Silver age" - recently this term has often been heard in relation to the elderly in Japan, who, thanks to an active and healthy lifestyle, attentive to health, look much younger than their age.
In Japan, the cult of respect for elders and the connection between generations is very strong and tangible. For the elderly or people of silver age, a lot is being done in all areas to make their life easier and better. For example, in Japan there is a special pedestrian "silver zone" for the elderly, and special designating stickers have been developed for long-lived drivers.
The emergence of "Keiro no hi" is associated with the name of the headman in the village of Hyogo Prefecture. It was Masao Kadovaki who in 1947 proposed the idea of creating a holiday dedicated to the older generation. The village council of elders met and approved September 15 as the Day of the Elderly. His motto was the rule: improving life in the village, based on the wisdom of elders, respecting and adopting their experience.
After 3 years, this motto and the idea itself were taken up by neighboring villages, from them their neighbors. Subsequently, in a short time, the idea and tradition swept the entire country. Later, they decided to abandon the expression "Day of the Elderly", considering it unethical.
In 1964, September 15 began to celebrate the "Day of the Elderly", and since 1996 this day has acquired the status of a national holiday, having received a new and final name - "Day of Honoring the Elderly".
The essence and rules of the
Since 2003, the "Day of Honoring the Elderly" or "Keiro no hi" in Japan has been celebrated annually on the third Monday in September. This happened after the revision of the Law "On National Holidays" and linking to the system "Happy Monday". On the day of the celebration, all schools and companies close their doors, and the Japanese and tourists themselves enjoy a three-day vacation.
The essence and basis of this holiday today is a respectful and reverent attitude for the restoration of the state and country after the military devastation. On the day of "Keiro no hi" they are given gifts, and also expressed gratitude for the services to subsequent generations and the country as a whole.
In honor of this event, the Japanese media traditionally collect materials about the country's population, shoot reports about age record holders, the number of which is growing every year. As of 2015, there were more than 60 thousand people aged 100 and over.
According to an old tradition, a Japanese man who has lived a twelve-year cycle (60 years) five times passes to a new level of his condition - he returns to infancy. At this time, it is customary for relatives to give them a small hat and a vest. The color of such a gift depends on the age reached at the time of the holiday. So for 70 and 77 years on the day of "Keiro no hi" they give purple vests, at 80, 88 and 90 years old - yellow, and when the "baby" reaches 99 years old - white.
Attention to the Japanese - centenarians is paid not only by their relatives. Retail chains and online stores offer large discount lines; medical institutions, fitness centers, beauty salons and other companies provide services free of charge; charitable foundations and organizations provide cash benefits and gifts, and creative groups organize concerts and performances.
During the Keiro no Hi, elderly Japanese are presented with gifts from the authorities. From 1936 to 2015, the Japanese government gifted centenarians with silver sake bowls and a letter of thanks from the prime minister. But since 2016, due to the greatly increased number of people over 100 years old and a heavy load on the country's budget, it was decided to refuse such gifts and switch to something simpler.
Children and grandchildren give their elderly relatives touching sweets and postcards, themed decorations and household items. All this must be beautifully packaged and supplemented with words of gratitude for their work for the good of the country and future generations.
Respect for elders - this ancient tradition is given special attention to Eastern peoples and nationalities. It consists not only in adherence to certain rules of behavior, but also in the attitude towards the older generation. In Japan, the Day of Honoring the Elderly is treated with special trepidation. This holiday is celebrated by everyone, without exception, and is considered one of the brightest and most beloved in the country.
