Today’s Chinese word: Guóqìng jié, meaning “The National Day of the People’s Republic of China”
The PRC was founded on October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square. The Central People’s Government passed the Resolution on the National Day of the People’s Republic of China on December 2, 1949 and declared that October 1 is the National Day.
The National Day marks the start of one of the only two “Golden Weeks” in the PRC, when all Chinese get seven days break. The other Golden Week is to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year begins in February 8th next year.
If you plan to travel to China, you should avoid the golden weeks at any cost. Because of the 7 days holiday, huge numbers of people travel at home or abroad. The price of food, hotel and everything else increase substantially, if you are luck to find some. The attractions are crowded and sanitation condition is the worst.
To many mainland Chinese, the National Day is very significant. It marks the end of an era when the country was struggling with poverty and war. Therefore, colorful firework displays take place nationwide in many cities. In addition to National Day concerts, many cities and squares hold the National Day Flower Bed festival with the most gorgeous flowers being showcased at Tiananmen Square. A special tradition of the Chinese folk during the National Day is hanging red Chinese lanterns which symbolize happiness and fortune.
Perhaps you can tell your students, “Guóqìng jié Kuàilè“, meaning “Happy the National Day!”