Children's Day makes a fitting end to the school year
June 1 is recognized worldwide as "International Day for Protection of Children" and consequently is the most popular day in many countries for celebrating children. In Mongolia it is called "Children's Day," or
Хүүхдийн баяр (
Hüühdiin bayar). As you may recall,
баяр refers to a celebration or holiday. Officially, the day is known as
Эх үрсийн баяр (
Eh ürsiin bayar), which means "Mother and Children's Celebration" in rather formal Mongolian.
The biggest party, of course, is in Ulaanbaatar. Thousands of parents and children from around the country gather for a ceremony in Sühbaatar Square, and other activities. However, smaller parties happen in
сум's and
аймаг's. Naturally, they are usually hosted at schools.
The Mongolian school year conveniently runs from September through May, so Children's Day makes a fitting unofficial end for the school year. In honor of Children's Day 2015, please enjoy some pictures from Children's Day 2014.
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| Children line up by the school to watch the ceremony |
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| A little Mongolian boy checks his trading cards |
Children's Day parties at schools provide a chance for students to show off their talents. Unlike most student competitions, which are dominated by high school students, on Children's Day the participants are mostly kindergarten or elementary school children.
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| Girls get ready to dance |
Typical displays of skill include dancing and singing performances. Talented young artists get their drawings displayed on school walls. One year when I visited UB on that day, even the State Department Store (Mongolia's biggest mall) displayed children's drawings in the store window.
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| Singing is popular at many holidays, including Children's Day |
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| On Children's Day, small children can sing too. |
Opportunities for play include games like darts and
шагай, and drawing on the ground with chalk.
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| Playing with sheep anklebones |
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| Playing with sheep anklebones |
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| Older children playing darts |
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| Children drawing with chalk |
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| Of course, winners get certificates. |
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| At the end, everyone gets their picture taken. |
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| Say Hi. |
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| More photos |
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| Take some photos from the other direction |
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| Adults also find time to celebrate themselves too. Here teachers pose for a photo op in front of the school. |
Wonderful photos of Children's Day in Mongolia. We do not have such a celebration here.
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