Simply Mad about "Rojin No Hi"

picture courtesy: Tokyo Times

Today is a national holiday in Japan - "Rojin No Hi" or the Day of the Elderly.  Created in 1966, it is held on the third Monday of September (September 2013 will have 5 Mondays by the way) and it is dedicated to show respect for older generations and to celebrate longevity.

Every Japanese tradition or holiday I have learned about since I moved here seems to be full or whimsy and imagination; a degree of charm only Japanese know how to accomplish.  "Rojin No Hi" is no exception. 

In Japanese, babies are referred to "aka chan" or "the red one".  Traditionally a Japanese person will will wear red on their 60th birthday - 60 years complete a cycle on the Chinese calendar and it is also said that after 60 you become a baby again....how darn cute is that!?!?!  Everything Japanese do has a reason to be, a meaning or some sort of symbolism and I love that about their culture and customs.

The elderly are well respected and esteemed in Japanese society so it is no surprise the younger generations go out of their way to celebrate their lives with bells and whistles when the day comes.  Meals are delivered to their houses and school children prepare dances and performance to entertain and honor the "older folks". 

So...here is to Japan's "Old Folks" on their special day; today September 16, 2013!  Cheers!

data and this picture: courtesy of "A Celebration of Women"