It’s often said that our deceased ancestors are our connection to the past. While that’s true, we also have a living link that we should remember: the older members of our families and communities! These individuals have lived through incredible events and global changes and have experiences that we can all learn from.
This is the primary idea behind the Japanese holiday Respect for the Aged Day. But what is this holiday, and what can you do to celebrate it? Read on to learn more!
What Is Respect for the Aged Day?
Respect for the Aged Day, known as 敬老の日 or Keirō no Hi in Japanese, is a day to honor and show appreciation for the oldest members of society. In Japan, television channels will put on special programs dedicated to the elderly, and many schools will perform songs or dances. Some communities even host competitions for their older members to participate in. As part of the country-wide celebration, the Japanese government also sends out commemorative sake cups to honor individuals who have reached 100 years old.
When Is Respect for the Aged Day Celebrated?
Respect for the Aged Day used to be celebrated annually on September 15. In 2003, the holiday was changed to the third Monday of September as part of Japan’s Happy Monday System, where some holiday dates were changed to create more 3-day weekends for those who worked 5-day work weeks.
From What Age Do You Celebrate Respect for the Aged Day?
While we all want to celebrate our elders, it’s also important to not accidentally insult those you care about by making them feel older than they are! As a basic guideline, Respect for the Aged Day celebrates those aged 60 or older—though some recommend waiting until the recipient is 65 or 70. It’s also generally considered appropriate for anyone to give a gift to older parents and grandparents during the holiday, even if they aren’t more than 60 years old.
When Did Respect for the Aged Day Start?
Respect for the Aged Day was first celebrated on September 15, 1947, as a local celebration in the village of Nomadani-mura (now known as Taka-cho) in the Hyōgo Prefecture. The village’s leader, Masao Kadowaki, encouraged everyone to respect and seek guidance from the older generation, which he found especially important amidst the country’s instability caused by World War II. This first celebration was called “Old Folks’ Day” or Toshiyori no Hi.
Gradually, Old Folks’ Day spread to more cities and became popular across Japan. In 1966, the celebration was renamed to “Respect for the Aged Day” and became an official public holiday.
How Do You Celebrate Respect for the Aged Day?
While there are no set traditions for Respect for the Aged Day, many people celebrate the holiday by giving gifts and appreciative notes. Others simply spend time visiting and relaxing with their older relatives and community members. Here are a few more ideas to help you celebrate the holiday:
- Volunteer your help to elderly people in your neighborhood. Offer to bring a meal, assist with yardwork, provide transportation, or whatever else you can think of!
- Write a letter to your grandparents, or give them a call to express your gratitude and appreciation. Take time to ask them about their life experiences and help them record their favorite memories.
- Create a family tree, print it out, and give it to your grandparents. Ask them what they remember about their parents, grandparents, and extended family.
- Visit a local assisted living or retirement home, and make a new friend! Play games, share a meal, or just enjoy getting to know some of the people there.
- Watch or listen to your older relatives’ favorite movies, television shows, or songs together.
- If your older relatives are deceased, spend time looking through pictures, journal entries, or stories of them.
Take Time to Reach Out
Respect for the Aged day is an incredible opportunity to connect with the important elderly individuals in your life. This year, visit and celebrate the holiday with the older members of your family and community. Help them feel respected and remembered. As you take the time to connect and learn about the older generation, you can create lasting memories for both of you.
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