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Double Ten Day
Double Ten Day is Taiwan’s national day, and a public holiday that is celebrated on October 10th. It marks the anniversary of the Wuchang Uprising, which led to the provinces declaring their independence from the central government in 1911.
The Wuchang Uprising stirred the Xinhai Revoultion in which the rebels brought down the Qing Dynasty. This effectively ended the 2,000 years of dynastic reign in China, and opened the doors to the Republican Era. Historians have pointed out that governmental corruption and usurping of the people’s rights provoked the rebellion.
Double Ten Day celebrations are very similar to the national day celebrations conducted by most western countries. All Taiwanese offices, governmental institutions and schools are closed on this day. The day kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony performed in the Presidential Office. Then, the national anthem of the Republic of China is sung. This is followed by a parade that begins at the office and ends at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial. Sun is revered for his role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty during the Xinhai Revolution. He is affectionately called the “Father of the Nation”. Other celebrations include a military parade, the lion dance, performances by drum teams and a display of fireworks.
Double Ten Day in the classroom
This celebration is a wonderful way to introduce young children to other cultures, and promote debate among older children. Here are some tips:
- Organizing a parade is a great way to get young children involved. Explain to them in simple terms what Double Ten Day is, and then get them together for a parade around the school ground.
- Arrange for a mini-flag hoisting in class.
- With a slightly older audience, organize a lion dance. If there are any children in class who play drums, get them to play in class.
- Play with a Lion Marionette or Dragon Marionette in the classroom and discuss how these play such an integral role in Taiwanese dance and culture
- If the children are older, then discuss what it means to be a republic. Take a look at the recent people’s revolutions that have ousted governments and discuss what it means to be a citizen.
- Pick up suitable reading material, arrange for readings and music performances.
- Go to Chinatown and participate in parades if any.
- Go to a local Dim Sum restaurant and enjoy some Chinese and Taiwanese delicacies or bring in a cook book and discuss the different ingredients used, you may wish to bring in some Asian spices so the children can smell and taste the wonderful aroma's.