I didn’t learn about International Women’s Day until I moved to Hong Kong. While it wasn’t a popular holiday there, my classmates from China always wished me a Happy International Women’s Day on March 8th.
Interestingly, according to danwei.org:
March 8, or ‘san ba’ in Chinese is International Women’s Day, a holiday that is traditionally celebrated with much official support in China. But ‘san ba’ is also a rather insulting way to refer to a woman… The country that wants women to hold up half the sky uses the date of their own holiday to put them down.
I know what these gals mean about having one day out of 365 to celebrate women. Sort of like having “Black History Month” in the US- does that mean the other 11 are reserved for things white people did? ; D
I’d love to hear more about the ‘holding up the sky’, though. I’m not familiar with what’s behind that. Are you planning to write any stories about your experiences in China?
Speaking of, I was just over at my amazon page checking if they’d posted my blog, and saw you put up a review. I wanted to thank you very much for that. Did Jane put you up to it? I would bet my last LINDT’s dark chocolate truffle that she did, bless her publicity-hound heart!
Warm regards and thanks again for the review and this post,
Patricia
Yes! Jane e-mailed me yesterday! I was so happy to write a review for Amazon, too! Enjoy the Lindt’s!!
Mao wrote or said “Women hold up half the sky.”
I have no opinion on International Women’s Day, but I do have one vivid memory of the occasion: one year WBEZ had a wretched radio essay in honor of the occasion that involved one woman enthusing over the joys of wearing tank tops and having one’s husband go get the car in the rain. I’ve never forgotten that odd, odd choice and even sent them an email noting how painful that was to listen to…something like being pelted with cotton candy at an American Girl Palace tea party.
Hah! It’s kind of like Mother’s Day. Shouldn’t mothers be treated kindly every day? My British friend wrote to me that International Women’s Day was founded in the US in 1908. It’s interesting that it never took off here, but has enjoyed popularity in places like China and Russia.
I hear its a very popular day in Europe. They have special shows and events for it. Maybe next year we can plan something!
Me, again. Never mind the question, although I’d love to hear from you regardless. Just looked under the ‘Books’ heading of your site. Duh. Raw eggs? A good daughter-in-law you are, indeed. And I thought being a mother in law was tough. Best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks, Vicki!! I’ve been back in Chicago for 10 years. Time flies… Thanks so much for your comments!! Please keep us posted on the contest! My fingers are crossed for you!!
Hello, Susan, and thank you for your vote from way way over here in the states.
Interesting blog posts. Today’s, and the family story one right below it. Thank you for your vote. Best wishes with your writing. What do you write, by the way?