Youth Day in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Youth Day is celebrated on the 29th of March every year. It is a day to commemorate the 1911 Second Guangzhou Uprising, also known as the Huanghuagang Uprising and the Yellow Flower Mound Revolt. During this uprising, 72 young revolutionaries fought to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and lost their lives in the process.
Taiwan (Observance)Although this attempt to overthrow the Qing was unsuccessful, it did set the stage for later revolts that eventually overturned a thousand years of dynastic Chinese rule and established the Republic of China. This day is a holiday to honor the country’s youth and their role in securing the future of Taiwan.
The History of Taiwan Youth Day
Led by revolutionary leader Huang Xing, the Second Guangzhou Uprising against the Qing Dynasty began in April 1911. Most of the rebels of this uprising were young people from all social backgrounds and from all parts of Chinese society.
Although they were outnumbered by Qing forces, the rebels fought anyway, and many of them were killed. It is not known just how many because only 72 bodies were officially identified.
These are now known as the 72 martyrs, and they are buried at a mass grave at Yellow Flower Mound. Although this event happened on the 29th day of the 3rd month on the Chinese calendar, which was April 27th, 1911, it is celebrated on the 29th day of the 3rd month on the Gregorian calendar.
That is why it is observed on March 29th every year. Prior to 1954, this holiday occurred on the same day as the May Fourth Movement, but that was changed to make them two separate holidays.
Observing Taiwan Youth Day
This holiday is observed with special ceremonies at Guangzhou’s Yellow Flower Mound or Huanghuagang Park. To go along with these solemn ceremonies, there are also student recognition awards and other special events that are staged across Taiwan. The hashtag #YouthDayTaiwan can be used to spread the word about this holiday across the World Wide Web.
Taiwan (Observance)
