January 1st ~ Republic Day/New Year in Taiwan, Slovakia, Czech

January 1st ~ Republic Day/New Year's Day in Taiwan

In Taiwan, on January 1st, they celebrate Republic day. They are celebrating the foundation of the Republic of China from 1912. Since this day is also celebrated on New Year's. they celebrate it the same way but it is hard to tell what they are celebrating exactly and when. Are they celebrating Republic Day or New Year's? In some cases, they may be celebrating both occasions.

In this country, it is tradition, on New Year's Eve to celebrate with the husband's family, and then celebrate New Year's Day/Republic Day with the Wife's family. And while doing so, one of the activities they take part in is the feast. On this day, they like to enjoy Hot Pot (may consist of meat, leafy veggies, mushrooms, noodles, tofus, wonton, seafood, and meatballs), Scallion Pancakes, and Beef Noodle Soup.

The History

In 1911, on October 10th, the Xinhai Revolution had begun in China which ended the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty had technically been going since the 17th century, which had first begun by the Manchus, and had started to get progressively worse by the 19th century. Finally, on January 1st, 1912, the Manchus had fallen and the Republic of China was established.

Summary

Celebrating activities: Parties, feasts, family events, fireworks. Since most people do their alcoholic drinking and major partying the day before, on New Year's Eve, this day is mostly for gatherings and slight and safe celebration.
Foods eaten: Hot Pot (may consist of meat, leafy veggies, mushrooms, noodles, tofus, wonton, seafood, and meatballs), Scallion Pancakes, and Beef Noodle Soup. It may also include Sticky Rice & Dumplings, Pineapple Cake, Long Bao (soup dumplings), Century Eggs, Aiyu Jelly (made using seeds from fig plant), and Gua Bao (beef bun)
Country celebrating: TAIWAN

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January 1st ~ Republic Day in Slovakia

In Slovakia, Republic Day is a special holiday to mark the day when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. in 1933, Slovak Republic declared its own country on January 1st. During the celebrations of Republic Day, they partake in their own traditions. The Slovak Republic has its flag hung and flown on its government buildings and, like other countries, the also parttake in the regular traditions as New Year's Day. And, with people still hungover from New Year's Eve, they do small celebrations on the Day of New Year's.

The History

During 1938 and 1945, Nazi Germany had taken Czechoslovakia. During the end of World War I and the beginning of World War II, Czechoslovakia was a country before splitting into two but then reunited as one, once again, in 1948. In 1968, they split again, unofficially, but then made it official in 1992 as they became Slovak Socialist Republic and the Czech Socialist Republic. Slovak Republic was officially established on January 1st of 1993 as Czechoslovakia became two different countries. It is referred to, by some people, as the Velvet Divorce for the reason it being a smooth transition. Also on this day, the Slovak flag was also raised at government buildings, for the first time.

Summary

Celebrating activities:  Toasts to the New Year, the flag of the Slovak Republic is raised and flown, enjoying a nice meal with friends and relatives
Countries celebrating: Slovakia
Foods eaten: No traditional foods are found at this time

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January 1st ~ Restoration Of the Czech Independence Day

This is very similar to the Republic Day of Slovakia since it is for the same reason the Czech State is celebrating. On January 1st, the Cezch Independence Day is being celebrated to honor the day that Czechoslovakia had split into two countries officially (the Czech Republic and Slovakia). During this time, large stores will be closed as well as schools and government businesses. During this day, like most other holidays, since this falls on New Year's Day, many people are still recovering from hangovers and the fun they had the night before while watching the New Year come through. However, on January 1st, people in this country will still be able to express their country's history and celebrate the becoming of a separate country.

The History

After World War II, Czechoslovakia temporarily split into two countries before reuniting once again. And it wasn't until 1992 and 1993, that the country split unofficially and then became officially split into the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic which then was named the Velvet Divorce because of its smooth transition between the two countries.


In order to celebrate this wonderful event, the people of the Czech Socialist Republican will raise their flag at government buildings, and the usual concerts, sporting events, and parties will also take place as well.

Note: If you would like to read this in a bit more detail, please read "Republic Day in Slovakia".

Summary

Celebrating activities: The flag of the Czech Republic is raised and flown, sporting events, concerts, parties, competitions, New Year's cards, eat leftover New Year's Eve dinner
Country celebrating: CZECH SOCIALIST REPUBLIC
Foods eaten: No specific traditional foods are found at this time

Subject to edits by the instructors