Third Day of the Sun

What Is Third Day of the Sun?

The term “Third Day of the Sun” is not an officially recognised or widely documented holiday name in North Korea or internationally. However, it is understood to refer to a specific day within the multi-day observances that typically surround the Day of the Sun (태양절, Taeyangjeol). The Day of the Sun is North Korea’s most significant public holiday, dedicated to the birth of its founder, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April.

While the primary public holiday is officially on 15 April, celebrations often extend for several days before and after this date. These extended periods are filled with various events, performances, and ceremonies designed to honour Kim Il-sung. The “Third Day of the Sun” would therefore signify a particular point or phase within this broader celebratory period, rather than a standalone holiday with distinct customs.

History and Origins of Third Day of the Sun

The history of the “Third Day of the Sun” is intrinsically linked to the origins and development of the Day of the Sun itself. Kim Il-sung was born on 15 April 1912. His birthday was first designated as a public holiday in North Korea in 1968, though initially it was referred to as “Sun’s Day”.

Following Kim Il-sung’s death in 1994, the holiday was formally renamed “Day of the Sun” in 1997. This renaming aimed to solidify his enduring status as the nation’s “eternal president” and to embed the ideology of “Juche” (self-reliance) and the concept of Kim Il-sung as the “eternal sun” illuminating the nation. The extensive nature of the observances, sometimes spanning multiple days, has become a consistent feature of this period, and any reference to a “Third Day of the Sun” would fall within this established framework of commemoration.

How Third Day of the Sun Is Celebrated

As “Third Day of the Sun” is not a distinct holiday, its observances are part of the wider celebrations for the Day of the Sun on 15 April. These celebrations are generally uniform across North Korea, involving widespread state-organised activities.

Festivities include large-scale parades featuring military personnel and civilians, mass dancing events in public squares, and diverse cultural performances. There are also athletic competitions and art exhibitions, such as the Kimilsungia flower exhibition, showcasing a hybrid orchid named after Kim Il-sung. Citizens often visit significant sites, including the Mansu Hill Grand Monument, which features imposing statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and Mangyongdae, Kim Il-sung’s birthplace.

Families typically gather for special meals, and it is customary for the state to provide citizens with extra rations or gifts on this occasion. Children may receive special treats. The specific activities on a hypothetical “Third Day of the Sun” during this period would depend on the year’s particular schedule of events, which is orchestrated centrally by the state to ensure a continuous display of reverence and loyalty.

When Is Third Day of the Sun?

“Third Day of the Sun” does not have a fixed or official calendar date as a distinct holiday. If the term is used, it refers to a particular day within the celebratory period surrounding the Day of the Sun.

The Day of the Sun is a fixed date, observed annually on 15 April. This date is based on the Gregorian calendar and does not vary. The extended period of observances can begin several days before 15 April and continue for a few days afterwards, making the “Third Day of the Sun” an informal reference to one of these surrounding days rather than a precise calendrical event.

Third Day of the Sun Key Facts