I listen to the radio most mornings. A couple of weeks ago whilst reviewing the global markets, the announcer pointed out that the Nikkei 225 was closed for Mountain Day. Yes, Mountain Day. I smiled. Aww. Nice. 

When I think of the Land of the Rising Sun, I think of salarymen, in dark suits, working long hours. So, Mountain Day sounded like a breath of fresh air. An opportunity to be out of the office and be one with the country’s lush mountains and hillsides. Celebrated since 2016, Mountain Day falls on August 11. Japan also has Greenery Day (May 4) and Marine Day (July 15). These two days are dedicated to appreciating and preserving nature and the environment, and celebrating the blessings of the oceans and seas, respectively.

I also like Respect for the Aged Day on Sept 16 (third Monday in September)[1]. It honours the wisdom, experiences, and contributions of the elderly to society. Children and adults present cards, flowers, and gifts to their elders while events and festivals are held all over Japan. It’s nice that the older generation is recognised and feted.

In Malaysia, there are activities held for World Senior Citizens Day on August 21 and International Day of Older Persons on October 1. Also, there are several benefits afforded to the ‘Warga Mas’ or Golden Citizen. I used to accompany my mum to get her international passport renewed. A painful task that had to be repeated every five years. There is/are special counters for the ‘Warga Mas.’ What made it less painful was the immigration officials kindly allowed me to renew my passport, our expiry dates were synchronised, because I was seen as her carer/support. Yay. Now, a ‘Warga Mas’ myself, I enjoy discounted fares on public transport, and entry to zoos, exhibitions, and museums. Yay again. 

Curiosity piqued, I looked up other interesting and unusual celebrations held around the world. This, I especially like. International Mother Language Day. Declared by UNESCO in 1999, and observed throughout the world since February 21, 2000. The declaration was a tribute to the Language Movement by the Bangladeshis (then the East Pakistanis).[2]

A brief backstory. After India’s independence and Partition in 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Governor General of Pakistan, declared Urdu as the official language of both West and East Pakistan. This was when Bangladesh was East Pakistan. ‘Faced with the alarming prospect of not being allowed to speak or write in their native tongue, students and intellectuals in the East’s Bengali majority formed what later became known as the Language Movement, a grassroots effort, to make Bengali an official state language.’[3] It was an arduous battle won by the Bangladeshis.

Another like is ‘World Compliment Day on March 1.’[4] As the name suggests, it’s a day for people, wherever in the world, to share joy and happiness by exchanging compliments and proffering kind words to one another. Hmm. If positive words and praises can bring smiles and make multitudes of people feel good about themselves, why not?

From communicating to not. Day of Silence or ‘Nyepi.’ This day of self-reflection is observed in Bali, Indonesia, after the new moon in March. The island comes to a standstill for 24 hours, with no lights, music or noise; transport is halted, and everyone must stay at home.’[5]Tourists are expected to follow the rules. 

A quirky, fruit-related event that’s held in Buñol, Spain on the last Wednesday in August, which is two days away, is ‘La Tomatina.’ [6]’ People pelt each other with overripe tomatoes creating a soupy, slippery, happy mess. My final like is Redhead Day. ‘It happens in the Dutch city of Breda in September. The event started as a small photoshoot but has since evolved into a festival with thousands of redheads gathering for picnics, workshops, and lots of ginger camaraderie.’[7]

It was fun/enlightening reading how these ‘days’ were created and celebrated. Coincidentally, they reminded me of the arbitrary ‘Cuti’ or holiday that sister number 3 declared when she was home looking after my mum. This is true. The ‘Cuti’ day somehow relaxed my mum, and she automatically adopted a casual approach. For instance, she was more comfortable watching TV late into the morning. There was no urgency to have her shower etc. It was like the ‘Cuti’ day gave my mum ‘permission’ to be carefree and not have to do/do less of the activities slated for the day. Yes, this was my mum’s reaction – a more than 90-year-old, with no daily deadlines. The atmosphere, at least to me, was somewhat similar to when a surprise public holiday is announced.

These days, I give myself a ‘Cuti’ day whenever I’m out of sorts/under the weather. I feel better for it. And sometimes, I get more done on my ‘Cuti’ day simply because I’m more relaxed. Hmm.