January 4th ~ Independence Day in Myanmar & Republic of the Congo

January 4th ~ Independence Day in Myanmar

Myanmar Independence Day is a specific public holiday that is celebrated on the 4th of January in Myanmar. They are celebrating when the country got its Independence in 1948 from Great Britain. In some cases, usually, when a country has its Independence day, it is also known as its National Day, however, this holiday is different with this country. During Independence day, many people have this day off and schools are closed in celebration.
Myanmar's National Day will take place on the 10th day of the full moon during the month of Tazungmone. This holiday celebrates the beginning of the students leading protests against Britain in 1920. Therefore, even though it may be easy to mix up their National Day with their Independence Day, be careful not to confuse both holidays. In order to celebrate this holiday, people will have military parades and give political speeches.

The History

In the 19th century, Myanmar (which used to be named Burma at the time) became overrun by the British and the first Prime Minister, Baw Maw, was elected on the 1st of April in 1937.  He later was arrested for going against the British. He later escaped and united with the Japanese and became Chief on their side. On February 12, 1947, Burma has declared an independent state and on January 4th of 1948, Burna was gain its independence from Great Britain. And in 1898, Burma changed the name of its country to Myanmar.

Summary

Celebrating activities: Stories are broadcasted, military parades, political speeches, and any other special events
Country celebrating: MYANMAR

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January 4th~ Martyrs Of Independence Day

On January 4th, a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the second-largest country in Africa, is celebrated. It marks the martyrs of Independence day. This day is being celebrated in honor of those who have fought and lost their lives fighting for independence and justice in the country. On this day, there are memorials and special services to help remember those who became martyrs for the country.

The History

In the 1950s, the people of the country would fight for their rights and their freedom from Belgium. The fights would turn into riots that the police would have to break up. A couple of days later, 47 Congolese people were killed and 379 Africans and Europeans have been injured. Therefore, on January 4th, they use this day to honor those who lost their lives for their country, trying to obtain their freedom. In June of 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo finally gained the Independence that they have worked towards.


Fun fact: There are about 240 languages being spoken in this country.

Summary

Country celebrating: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Celebrating activities: Ceremonies, wreaths being laid on graves, and speeches being given.

Subject to edits by the instructors

So did Great Britain back off when Burma went to Uncle Chin or was there a war? (And then they backed off.)

Zotron wrote:So did Great Britain back off when Burma went to Uncle Chin or was there a war? (And then they backed off.)

Yes, they did. After the country gained their independence, that was the end of it.

That’s too bad. What did Burma have that Great Britain so desperately needed? Better location? Oh, “Burma”. Probably gold and jewels.

While finishing up the holidays for January 4th, I have added the Independence day of the Republic of the Congo to this topic since their Independence celebration falls on the same day.