For the November monthly Sogetsu meeting members were asked to do a Thanksgiving arrangement.
As we know America and Canada celebrate this national holiday but did you know Japan celebrates Labour Thanksgiving day (勤労感謝の日,Kinrō Kansha no Hi) which is also a national holiday celebrated on the 23rd of November of each year. The law establishing the holiday cites it as an occasion to commemorate Labour and production and give one another thanks.
Kinro Kansha No Hi is a modern holiday that replaced an ancient harvest festival called Niinamesai. The ancient festival’s origination dates back hundreds of years. It is believed that the festival was celebrated as early as November of 678. Tradition has it that the emperor would dedicate the season’s fresh harvest to the gods and taste the rice himself for the first time.
After World War II, Labor Thanksgiving Day was established to mark the fact that fundamental human rights were guaranteed and rights of workers were greatly expanded in the postwar constitution.
A number of major events are held on this day. One such event is a labor festival held every year in the city of Nagano, which hosted the Olympic Winter Games in February 1998. Local labor organizations sponsor this event to encourage people to think about issues affecting peace, human rights, and the environment.
In the suburbs of Tokyo, nursery school pupils present drawings and handicrafts to local
police officers who look after their safety every day.
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