Let's learn about the origins and history of Respect for the Aged Day!
Learn About the Origin and History of Respect for the Aged Day!
Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated on the third Monday of September every year.
Have you ever wondered, "When did Respect for the Aged Day begin?" or "What does it mean?" regarding this important day to express gratitude and wish for longevity?
In this article, from a florist's perspective, we will carefully explain everything from the origin and history of Respect for the Aged Day to how to celebrate it and popular gifts.
The Origin and History of Respect for the Aged Day
Let's take a clear look at how Respect for the Aged Day began and became established as a national holiday, its development and changes.
When is Respect for the Aged Day?
Respect for the Aged Day is a national holiday celebrated on the third Monday of September every year.
With the introduction of the Happy Monday System in 2003, the date was changed from the fixed September 15th to the third Monday of September.
This created a three-day weekend including Respect for the Aged Day, making it easier for families to spend time together.
When did Respect for the Aged Day begin?
The origin of Respect for the Aged Day can be traced back to "Toshiyori no Hi" (Elderly Persons' Day), proposed by Nomatani Village, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture (present-day Yachiyo-ku, Taka Town).
In 1947 (Showa 22), with the village chief and the village's youth association at its core, "Toshiyori no Hi" was established with the purpose of showing respect and celebrating the longevity of the elderly who had supported the village.
It began with a gathering to honor the elderly held on September 15th.
How did Respect for the Aged Day spread?
The initiative of "Toshiyori no Hi" in Taka Town became a model for the whole country and gradually spread.
In 1954, the Central Council of Social Welfare promoted "Toshiyori no Hi" as a national movement.
Then, in 1966 (Showa 41), "Respect for the Aged Day" was officially established as a national holiday with the aim of "respecting the elderly who have contributed to society for many years and celebrating their longevity."
The relationship between Respect for the Aged Day and Taka Town
Taka Town is truly the "birthplace" of Respect for the Aged Day.
Within the town, there is a monument celebrating its achievements, titled "Birthplace of Respect for the Aged Day."
Even today in Taka Town, this spirit of respect for the elderly is deeply rooted, and efforts to show respect and gratitude to the elderly are being made throughout the community.
What's the difference from Respect for the Aged Week?
Respect for the Aged Day is often confused with "Respect for the Aged Week."
・Respect for the Aged Week: Refers to the week from September 15th to 21st every year.
・Purpose: To deepen public understanding of welfare for the elderly and to promote their participation in social activities and improve their quality of life.
Respect for the Aged Day is a holiday that falls on the first day of Respect for the Aged Week, positioned as a day to intensively express gratitude and respect for the elderly.
Is it true that the Prime Minister gives commemorative gifts on Respect for the Aged Day!?
Yes, it's true!
As a tradition dating back to the Meiji era, centenarians (those reaching 100 years old) are given a silver cup from the Prime Minister.
This is a highly honorable commemorative gift that expresses the nation's respect for longevity.
However, in recent years, due to a significant increase in eligible recipients, there have been discussions about reviewing the material of the silver cup and the method of presentation.
How Respect for the Aged Day is Celebrated by Region and Country
The culture of celebrating Respect for the Aged Day is not limited to Japan. There are various ways to celebrate it depending on the region and country.
Are there differences in customs by prefecture?
Even within Japan, there are differences in how Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated depending on the local government and region.
Many municipalities hold gatherings to honor the elderly and commemorative ceremonies, where they present gifts to the elderly or hold events.
In some regions, celebrations are held with strong local characteristics, such as performances of traditional arts or gatherings centered around local cuisine.
Are there any events held on Respect for the Aged Day?
On Respect for the Aged Day, the following events are held in various places:
・Keirokai (Respect for the Aged gatherings): Events where local seniors gather to enjoy meals and entertainment.
・Cultural events for seniors, such as concerts, plays, and rakugo (comic storytelling) performances.
In some regions, schools and kindergartens hold events where children present songs, letters, or "back-patting tickets" to their grandparents.
Family and relatives gather to enjoy a feast at home or go on trips, and personal celebrations are also common.
Which countries have Respect for the Aged Day as a national holiday?
The culture of respecting the elderly is universal. Japan is not the only country that has established a specific holiday like Respect for the Aged Day.
・South Korea: Has "Parents' Day," a day to express gratitude to both parents, often by giving carnations.
・America: Has "Grandparents' Day," celebrated on the Sunday following the first Monday of September. It's common for grandchildren to give gifts or letters to their grandparents to express their gratitude.
As such, various countries have holidays and cultures that revere and express gratitude to the elderly.
How to Celebrate Respect for the Aged Day?
There is no fixed format for celebrating Respect for the Aged Day. What matters is conveying feelings of gratitude and wishes for longevity.
Send a message or letter
Write your daily "thank you" and "please stay healthy forever" feelings in a letter or message card and give it to them.
A handwritten message will be a heartfelt gift.
Hold a dinner party
Having family and relatives gather together for a meal is the most cherished time.
You could reserve a table at your grandparents' favorite restaurant or prepare a homemade meal for them.
Give a gift
Gifts that express gratitude are also a classic choice. Choosing something that matches their hobbies or lifestyle will be appreciated. (More details in the next section!)
Spend time with family
Sharing time together, such as enjoying a shared hobby, taking a walk, or going shopping, will be the greatest gift of all.
What if they live far away?
If it's difficult to meet in person, perhaps reporting your recent news via phone or video call is a good idea. Even just hearing your元気な声 (genki na koe - cheerful voice) will make them happy.
If you're mailing a gift, don't forget to include a message card.
What to Gift on Respect for the Aged Day?
When choosing a gift for Respect for the Aged Day, choose something that will bring a smile to their face.
Here, we introduce popular gifts and flower gifts recommended by florists.
Confectionery and sweets
Confectionery and sweets are classic gifts for Respect for the Aged Day.
・Japanese or Western sweets: Choose something that suits their taste, seasonal items, or sweets from famous shops are also appreciated.
・Health-conscious sweets: Low-sugar or low-calorie sweets convey your concern for their health.
Individually wrapped items that last longer or bite-sized items are especially appreciated.
Alcohol and beverages
For those who enjoy alcohol, sake, shochu, and wine are popular choices.
Choosing brands or regions they are particular about will add a special touch.
For those who don't drink alcohol, healthy juices, high-quality tea, or coffee are also good options. Choose considering their preferences and health condition.
Miscellaneous goods are also popular
Practical and everyday miscellaneous goods are also appreciated.
・Relaxing items such as lap blankets, pajamas, and cushions.
・Items related to hobbies, such as reading accessories, gardening supplies, and handicraft supplies.
・Original goods, such as teacups with their names or towels with messages, are special and memorable.
・Items that support health, such as walking aids and massagers, will also convey your gratitude.
Flower gifts such as bouquets and flower arrangements
Flowers are gifts that soothe the heart and brighten up a space. They are perfect for Respect for the Aged Day, and &YOUKAEN delivers many flower gifts every year.
Easy-to-give "Bouquets"
This is a classic style that directly conveys feelings of gratitude.
Incorporating long-lasting flowers (carnations, lisianthus), seasonal flowers (gentian, celosia), and chrysanthemums, which symbolize longevity, makes them perfect for Respect for the Aged Day.
Easy-to-display "Flower Arrangements"
Popular due to their convenience of being displayable as they are, even without a vase. No need for troublesome water changes; just add water. They don't burden the recipient.
Unwilting flowers "Preserved Flowers"
They have the advantage of being long-lasting and requiring no watering, making them ideal gifts for those living far away or those with busy schedules.
The joy of nurturing "Potted Plants"
Potted plants such as phalaenopsis orchids, foliage plants, and seasonal flowers are also appreciated as gifts that offer the joy of nurturing.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer a wide selection of vibrant bouquets suitable for Respect for the Aged Day, as well as stylish flower arrangements that are easy to display.
We also handle special gifts that incorporate flowers with auspicious meanings for longevity or colors associated with longevity celebrations (red for Kanreki, purple for Koki and Kiju, yellow for Beiju, etc.).
Please feel free to contact us if you are considering an original gift.
Other Longevity Celebrations?
In addition to Respect for the Aged Day, Japan has traditional longevity celebrations.
Expressing gratitude and celebrating longevity at each milestone is a good opportunity to strengthen family bonds.
60th Birthday "Kanreki"
・Meaning: The zodiac cycle completes, and one returns to their birth year, symbolizing a return to infancy.
・Color: Red is the theme color.
70th Birthday "Koki"
・Meaning: Derived from the Chinese poet Du Fu's poem "人生七十古来稀 (Jinsei nanajū kora mare nari)," meaning "It has been rare since ancient times for a person to live to seventy."
・Color: Purple is the theme color.
77th Birthday "Kiju"
・Meaning: Derived from the cursive script of the character "喜" (ki), which can be read as "七十七" (seventy-seven).
・Color: Purple is the theme color.
80th Birthday "Sanju"
・Meaning: Derived from the abbreviated character for "傘" (kasa/umbrella), which can be read as "八十" (eighty).
・Color: Yellow or gold is the theme color.
88th Birthday "Beiju"
・Meaning: Derived from the character "米" (rice), which can be broken down into "八十八" (eighty-eight).
・Color: Yellow or gold is the theme color.
90th Birthday "Sotsuju"
・Meaning: Derived from the abbreviated character for "卒" (sotsu/to finish), which can be read as "九十" (ninety).
・Color: Purple or white is the theme color.
99th Birthday "Hakuju"
・Meaning: Derived from subtracting "一" (one) from "百" (hundred) to get "白" (white).
・Color: White is the theme color.
100th Birthday "Hyakuju" or "Momoju" / "Kiju"
・Meaning: Derived from "百" (hundred), signifying 100 years, or "一世紀" (one century).
・Color: White or pink is the theme color.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer a wide variety of flower gifts in colors suited for these longevity celebrations, not just for Respect for the Aged Day.
You can find flower gifts to commemorate special days, such as red for Kanreki, purple for Koki and Kiju, and yellow for Beiju.
If you are unsure about choosing flowers for a celebratory occasion, please feel free to consult us.
Summary
Respect for the Aged Day is a precious opportunity to express daily gratitude and wishes for longevity, as well as to deepen family bonds.
I would be delighted if learning about the origin and history of this day, which began in a small village in Taka Town, Hyogo Prefecture, and spread nationwide as a public holiday, further deepens your feelings of gratitude.
On Respect for the Aged Day, heartfelt gifts, messages, and time spent with family are the most cherished presents.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer a rich selection of heartwarming flower gifts suitable for Respect for the Aged Day.
We have a variety of popular color schemes, including stylish bouquets to convey your appreciation and fashionable flower arrangements that are easy to care for.
Our florists personally select fresh flowers and meticulously craft each arrangement.
Please consider sending a flower gift from &YOUKAEN for Respect for the Aged Day.
See articles related to Respect for the Aged Day here.
Learn about the origins and history of Respect for the Aged Day!
Celebration quick reference guide by age: Recommended flowers and colors
The language and charm of gentian (Rindou) flowers that you don't know