This past July 11, China celebrated Maritime Day. This holiday is used to commemorate the voyages of explorer Zheng He. Here are some quick facts about this holiday:
History:
Zheng He was an explorer during the Ming dynasty who helped establish China’s commercial and maritime influence across the globe. He commanded seven voyages to various destinations such as West Africa and India. His voyages took place between 1405 and 1433.
The Holiday:
Chinese Maritime Day was first celebrated in 2005 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Zheng He’s first voyage. It has been observed every July ever since. The main purpose of the holiday is to promote Chinese maritime trade and celebrate China’s participation in the International Maritime Organization. As it is a relatively new holiday, there are few traditions associated with this holiday.
Hopefully, you learned a little bit about Chinese Maritime Day and its significance in China. Until next time, 再见！
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zheng-He
Nice article! I didn’t even know that there was such holiday in China! Thats soo cool! Also, the history section that you wrote, was what I learned last year in my Global History class. I didn’t know that the main purpose of this holiday is to promote Chinese maritime trade and to celebrate China’s participation in the International Maritime Organization. What are some of the traditions associated with the holiday?
I never knew China had a Maritime Day. It’s interesting how this holiday began just over a decade ago. I learned about Zheng He last year. I wonder what the Chinese do during the Maritime Day. I learned in this article that this holiday is meant to promote Chinese maritime trade and celebrate China’s participation in the International Maritime Organization.
I never knew that China had a holiday to celebrate the voyages of Zheng He. When I learned about him last year, he sounded like a very important person in Chinese history and now I know that he definitely is. Even though this is a relatively new holiday, I hope to learn the traditions associated with it!