Thursday, April 23, 2009

サン・ジョルディの日(san jorudi no hi): La Diada de Saint Jordi

April 23 is known as san jorudi no hi (サン・ジョルディの日, La Diada de Sant Jordi). This was established in 1986 by Nihon shoten kumiai rengokai(日本書店組合連合会 Japan Bookstore Association) and Nihon Katarunya yuko shinzen kyokai(日本カタルーニャ友好親善協会 Japan Catalonia Friendship Association). The bookstore in Catalonia spread the custom that men give red roses to women and women give books to men.
April 23 is related deeply to books. It is the anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra who wrote Don Quijote that passed away in 1616. It is also the birthday of Shakespeare in 1564. UNESCO adopted the day as World Book and Copyright Day in 1996. In Japan in December 2001 it was established as kodomo dokusho no hi(子ども読書の日), children's reading books day. In Spain it is hon no hi (本の日) the day of the book.
What book do you like the best?

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