The Founding Day of Japan Most Similar to Gaecheonjeol, the Anniversary of the Birth of Modern States Celebrated by the US and Western Countries
Gaecheonjeol, one of Korea's four major national holidays, marked its 4,356th anniversary this year according to the Dangi calendar. Unlike other countries that typically commemorate the birth of a modern nation or a civic revolution, Gaecheonjeol celebrates the founding of the nation's first state, making it a unique holiday from an international perspective. Countries with similar concepts of a national foundation day include Japan and Switzerland.
U.S. Independence Day, France's Bastille Day... Foundation Days Aligned with the Emergence of Modern States
According to CNN, the U.S. Independence Day on July 4th, recognized as the country's foundation day, is not actually the day the United States fully gained independence from Britain. Originally, July 4, 1776, was the day the Declaration of Independence was announced, declaring the United States' intent to separate from Britain. The actual day the U.S. successfully achieved full independence was September 3, 1783, when the Treaty of Paris was signed, with Britain internationally recognizing American independence.
Most Western countries commemorate their foundation day as the day their independent nation was established or, like France's Bastille Day, mark a major historical turning point. However, unlike the U.S. Independence Day, Britain is known not to have a specific day commemorating its foundation.
China, currently observing its National Day holiday, celebrates October 1, 1949, the founding date of the modern People's Republic of China, as its foundation day. This year, China announced the National Day holiday from September 29 to October 6. Typically, China's National Day overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the three major holidays alongside Lunar New Year and Labor Day.
However, Taiwan, another Chinese-speaking region, observes its National Day on October 10, with different holiday periods. Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday runs from September 29 to October 1, and the National Day holiday is from October 7 to 10, splitting the holiday periods. Therefore, those planning to travel to China or Taiwan during Korea's Chuseok holiday must check each country's holiday schedule separately.
Taiwan's National Day on October 10 commemorates the Wuchang Uprising that triggered the 1911 Xinhai Revolution in China, also known as "Double Ten Day." This event laid the foundation for modern China and led to the establishment of the Republic of China, which is Taiwan's current government system. China also holds annual events commemorating the Double Ten Day, marking the birth of its first modern state.
Japan, with a Foundation Day Similar to Korea... Dating Back to Ancient Times
There are countries that, like Korea's Gaecheonjeol, commemorate the founding of their first historical state as their foundation day.
A representative example is Japan, Korea's neighboring country. Japan's Foundation Day is celebrated every year on February 11. According to mythology, on February 11, 660 BCE, Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, established the imperial line and founded the nation, and this day is commemorated as the foundation day.
Switzerland also commemorates August 1, 1291, as its foundation day, marking the establishment of the Swiss Confederation. On this day, the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden formed the original Swiss alliance. This confederation gradually expanded to include more cantons, forming the basis of modern Switzerland today.
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