What is the Day of the Shining Star?
The Day of the Shining Star is a public holiday in North Korea, celebrated annually on February 16th. It marks the birthday of Kim Jong-il, the country’s second Supreme Leader, who was born in 1942 and ruled North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011. Kim Jong-il is referred to as the “Shining Star of Paektu Mountain,” and the day is one of the most important national holidays in North Korea, celebrated with extensive pomp, ceremony, and reverence. Activities typically include mass gymnastics, cultural performances, military parades, and the laying of flowers and wreaths at Kim Jong-il’s statue and the Mansudae Grand Monument in Pyongyang.
History and Origin
Kim Jong-il’s leadership was characterized by the continuation of his father, Kim Il-sung’s, Juche ideology, and policies of self-reliance. His birthday, February 16, has been celebrated as the Day of the Shining Star since his rise to power, with the state organizing grand celebrations to honor his legacy and reinforce loyalty among the North Korean populace. The holiday also serves to strengthen the cult of personality surrounding Kim Jong-il and the Kim dynasty.
Who Celebrates the Day of the Shining Star?
- The North Korean Government and Military: Organize and participate in parades, ceremonies, and tributes throughout the country.
- North Korean Citizens: Engage in various state-organized events, including performances, exhibitions, and visits to monuments dedicated to Kim Jong-il.
- Overseas North Korean Diplomatic Missions: May hold commemorative events to mark the day and celebrate Kim Jong-il’s legacy.
Slogans and Themes
The celebration emphasizes themes of loyalty, reverence, and national pride, focusing on the achievements and leadership of Kim Jong-il. Slogans and themes promote unity under the Kim family’s leadership and the continued advancement of Juche ideology.
Colors, Symbols, and Patterns
- Colors: Red, symbolizing the Workers’ Party of Korea, and gold, representing prosperity and reverence for Kim Jong-il, dominate the day’s celebrations.
- Symbols: Images of Kim Jong-il, the flag of North Korea, and the emblem of the Workers’ Party are prominently displayed.
- Patterns: Patriotic patterns and symbols associated with Kim Jong-il’s contributions to the nation and the Juche ideology are highlighted.
Most Used Hashtags
In the context of North Korea’s restricted internet access and control over digital communication, hashtags are not commonly used by the public to commemorate the Day of the Shining Star. However, international observers and media might use tags like:
- #DayOfTheShiningStar
- #KimJongIl
- #NorthKorea
- #February16
How to Observe
Observance of the Day of the Shining Star is highly structured in North Korea, with citizens participating in state-organized events. Outside North Korea, observation typically involves academic and journalistic analysis of North Korea’s political landscape and the Kim dynasty’s impact on the country and the region.
The Day of the Shining Star underscores the continuing influence of Kim Jong-il’s legacy in North Korea, marked by grandiose celebrations that aim to consolidate loyalty to the Kim family and adherence to the state’s ideologies.
February 16: Day of the Shining Star (North Korea)
Why do you keep falling for the same type?
Read the article Lovemaps: the hidden blueprint of our love.
