20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 15, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Korea’s National Liberation Day. The holiday commemorates the end of 35 years of Japanese rule. Known as Gwangbokjeol —which translates to “bringing back the light”— the anniversary marks the end of a period of colonization. The nation has a rich, long history dating all the way back four thousand years. Korea has had a history of fighting against the interests of neighboring countries and foregin rule. This day represents freedom and true restoration of the Korean nation. Across the nation and in Korean communities overseas, the national Taegukgi flag hangs from buildings and homes. Koreans commemorate the day by reflecting on the historical struggles that led to liberation. Happy National Liberation Day, Korea! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 14, 2022 Location: Tags: , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 14, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 75th Independence Day in Pakistan! On this day in 1947, Pakistan gained independence and became a sovereign nation. This public holiday also commemorates the deeds and legacies of Pakistan's founders. Celebrations for Pakistan’s Independence Day start with a 31-gun salute in the capital city Islamabad, followed by flag-raising ceremonies at presidential and parliament buildings. Many speeches on national progress are made by political leaders and televised live to the public. Festivities such as parades, firework displays, patriotic concerts and award ceremonies are also held throughout the country. Today’s artwork features Frere Hall in Karachi, which was built to serve as a town hall in 1865. The historic building is now a popular tourist destination that houses Karachi’s largest library, the Liaquat National Library, with a collection of more than 70,000 books and manuscripts. In 1980, famous Pakistani artist was chosen to decorate the hall’s ceilings. Happy Independence Day, Jashn-e-Azadi, Pakistan! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 12, 2022 Location: Tags: , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 11, 2022 Illustrated by Japan-based guest artist , today’s Doodle celebrates Japan’s Mountain Day. While the country is a leader in tech innovation, it’s also home to thousands of acres of transcendent mountains, hot springs and more than 100 volcanoes. Ever since this holiday began in 2016, people leave the urban jungle on this day each year to enjoy Japan’s natural wonders. With mountains taking up about 70% of Japan's landmass, urbanites don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors. 60 miles outside of Tokyo is the highest mountain in Japan. Towering at 12,000+ feet tall, Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano—a steep, conical mountain built by many layers of hardened lava and tephra. Thrill-seekers might also enjoy Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Located in the southern part of the country, Aso has a breathtaking crater that is 600 meters in diameter. During periods when volcanic activity is low, gentle steam rises from the crater’s lime green lake. Those who would prefer to relax in nature can bathe at one of Japan’s famous hot spring facilities —including some that are heated by subterranean volcanic activity. Happy Mountain Day to everyone in Japan! We hope your time in nature leaves you feeling at your peak. Location: Tags: , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 10, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates more than 200 years of Ecuadorian independence! On this day in 1809, residents of Quito, the present-day capital of Ecuador, revolted against Spanish leaders and formed a provisional government. Power struggles continued until liberator Simón Bolivar arrived in 1820. When remaining territories were freed two years later, Ecuador became the first Latin American country to declare independence after centuries of Spanish rule. To commemorate Quito’s pivotal role in the fight for freedom, the city hosts many independence day shows, historical observances and cultural festivals. During performances at Independence Square , Ecuadorians proudly wave their national flag—like the one featured in today’s Doodle. Across the country, there are also grand parades, food festivals serving ceviche and yucca bread, concerts featuring pasillo music and dancers performing in embroidered costumes and traditional loose-fitting linen shirts . Happy Independence Day, Ecuador! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 9, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 538th birthday of Luisa de Medrano, a poet and philosopher who is considered Spain’s first female professor. De Medrano was born on this day in 1484 in Atienza, Spain which is located in present-day Guadalajara. Her father belonged to the "Twelve Lineages of Soria" military order and died in battle during the Conquest of Granada, a campaign that would unify Spain under Catholic rule. The Catholic Monarchs honored the family’s sacrifice, and took in Luisa and her siblings to be raised as noble children. Under the guidance of Queen Isabella I, de Medrano learned history, culture and humanist philosophy alongside children of the royal family. In the early 16th century, when most women could not access education, de Medrano broke new ground by becoming the first female professor at University of Salamanca where she was believed to teach Latin. To honor her legacy, the Spanish agency Instituto de la Mujer, Castilla-La Mancha awards The Luisa de Medrano International Prize to individuals who advance gender equality. A high school in Salamanca, IES Lucia de Medrano, is also named in her memory. Happy birthday, Luisa de Medrano! Your story continues to inspire and empower women to break old molds. Location: Tags: , , , , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 9, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Singapore's National Day. On this day in 1965, Singapore separated from the Federation of Malaysia and officially became a sovereign nation. Today’s artwork features the national flower of Singapore—the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid. The orchid species was selected as Singapore's National Flower for its vibrant colors, hardiness and resilience—qualities that reflect the Singapore spirit. While Vanda Miss Joaquim is still the popular household name used for the flower, recent taxonomic research revealed the genus of the parents of the national flower to be Papilionanthe—hence the official scientific classification of the flower was updated to "Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim". The annual National Day Parade is the largest celebration in the country. Singaporeans partake in the parade's processions either in person or by watching the national broadcast of the event. In the months leading up to the celebration, the Singapore Armed Forces rehearse free-fall parachute displays and vehicle demonstrations. The parades usually feature an aerial show with helicopters and fighter planes and song-and-dance performances. As a finale, breathtaking fireworks decorate the night sky. Citizens spend the day at picnics, carnivals and concerts islandwide. Happy National Day, Singapore! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 9, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the life and 156th birthday of Seiki Kuroda, who was born on this day in 1866. Kuroda was an influential artist who’s known as the father of Western-style paintings in Japan. He was also a teacher and art administrator for the Tokyo Art School, as well as the founder of the White Horse Society. He was born in Kagoshima, Japan where he was adopted by his uncle at birth and moved to his estate in Tokyo. At age 18, Kuroda traveled to Paris to study law but instead chose to pursue painting after two years. While in France, he spent a decade learning how to paint in the Western academic-style, honing his craft during a period of self-discovery. In 1893, Kuroda returned to Japan and breathed fresh air into the Western-style art scene in many Japanese cities. He started a Western painting school called Tenshin Dojo and established pleinairism which is the practice of painting outdoors. In 1986, he founded the Habuka-kai—also known as the White Horse Society—a group of Japanese practitioners of yoga and painting. He was also invited to teach the Western Painting Department at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. In his waning years, Kuroda was chosen as a teishitsu gigei-in, or Imperial Household Artist, to create works for the Tokyo Imperial Palace. He also served as the President of the Imperial Art Academy and was titled a Viscount in 1917. Then, in 1920, Kuroda was elected to join Japan’s House of Peers, or Kizoku-in, the new aristocratic social class during the Meiji Era. Kuroda made a lasting impression on the art world in Japan and beyond, inspiring the next generation of Western-style, Impressionist and Pleinairist artists to continue his legacy. His works can be found in countless museums and galleries such as the Artizon Museum in Tokyo and the Kuroda Memorial Hall within the Tokyo National Museum. Two of his works, Maiko and Lakeside , have also been selected as commemorative postage stamps by the Japanese government. Happy 156th birthday, Seiki Kuroda! Location: , Tags: , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 8, 2022 Location: Tags: , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 6, 2022 Today’s Doodle honors Jamaica’s 60th Independence Day. After more than 300 years under British rule, the people of this mountainous island in the Caribbean Sea fought to gain freedom. On this day in 1962, the Jamaica Independence Act passed and granted the country freedom to self-govern. Emancipation Day is also celebrated during the same week in Jamaica, commencing many festivities on the first of the month. As the main event of the week, the Jamaica Independence Festival, held in the capital of Kingston, showcases many cultural displays. With thumping drums and upbeat reggae music, the grand parade captures the fun-loving spirit of Jamaicans. Performing on one stage, reggae dance groups from across the globe gather during Independence Day celebrations for the World Reggae Dance Final, an event organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Men and women move to the beat in traditional clothing such as layered skirts or dresses, and intricate headscarves and turbans that bear the green, yellow, and black colors of the Jamaican flag—like the one pictured in today’s Doodle. Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 6, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Bolivian Independence Day! After centuries of colonial rule and 16 years of war with Spain, Bolivians signed the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1825. Up until the 16th century, the area now known as Bolivia was inhabited by Indigenous ethnic groups, namely the Great Incans, the Aymara and the Quechua. In 1532, Spaniards invaded the region for its rich silver mines and exploited Indigenous populations for labor, setting up colonies and settlements throughout the land. The Indigenous groups were treated unfairly, with little access to education, economic opportunities or political participation. As a new mixed-race group called mestizos formed, they also experienced social exclusion. The Napoleonic Wars in the early-1800’s inspired Indigenous groups and mestizos in Bolivia to resist colonialism. In 1809, they joined forces with freedom fighters such as Simón Bolivar and Antonio José de Sucre to organize an uprising in Chuquisaca. Sixteen years later, Sucre won a decisive battle in Ayacucho on December 9, 1824 and forced the Spanish to surrender the following day. On August 6, 1825, a congress was summoned to create a new constitution and sign the declaration of independence. The country was named after its liberator Simón Bolivar, and Sucre became its first president. Bolivia became the first Spanish colony in South America to gain independence. On Independence Day, Bolivians celebrate with carnivals, parades, firework shows and other outdoor activities. The red, yellow and green flag, like the one flying in today’s Doodle, can be found far and wide throughout the country on this national holiday. ¡Feliz Día de la Independencia! Happy Independence Day, Bolivia! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 4, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the Qixi Festival, a traditional holiday celebrated in Taiwan, Singapore and other parts of Asia based on a romantic legend. It’s also known as the Double Seventh Festival, the Night of the Sevens and the Magpie Festival. It is observed on the seventh day of the seventh month on the lunar calendar. On this day, singles and couples exchange gifts such as roses and candy with their romantic interests. The ancient Chinese used to worship stars in ancient times, and noticed Niulang and Zhinü met in the sky on the double seventh. The romantic legend is about an oxherd and fairy who fell madly in love despite their differences. In the story, Zhinü decided to stay on Earth without permission and became a weaver girl. When the queen mother of the heavens learned of their marriage, she forced Zhinü to return. Niulang, with their two children, then flew into the skies above to save his wife before the queen exiled him back to Earth. She then used her hairpin to create a river, the Milky Way, between the Earth and the heavens. The couple’s sorrow was felt throughout the universe. Moved by the overwhelming despair of their separation, the queen allowed the family to meet on the double seventh via a bridge of magpies flying over the river. Qixi Festival has origins dating back to the Han Dynasty. Older traditions used to include demonstrations of crafting skills, worship services devoted to Zhinü and flower-hanging ceremonies honoring oxen. These traditions have been recognized less by younger generations, who prefer to celebrate in simpler ways. However, the legend of Niulang and Zhinü still has deep roots in the hearts of Chinese-speaking people around the world. Happy Qixi Festival! Check out the behind-the-scenes process for today’s Doodle artwork by Doodler, Celine You Alt text: A large white cloth is laid out on a table with red stamps of the Qixi Festival Doodle design printed six times in various orientations. A red paint roller is sitting on the left of the stamped cloth. Location: , , , , , Tags: , , , , , ,
20.08.2022 23:01 Date: August 1, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Switzerland National Day. On this day in 1291, the three forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed the Federal Charter and unified in the struggle against Habsburg rule. The charter is Switzerland’s oldest constitutional document and regarded as the foundation of the country. Swiss people commemorate the day with family gatherings, barbecues and parades. Rütli field, where the Federal Charter was signed, hosts an official celebration where the President of the Swiss Confederation addresses the nation before fireworks and bonfires. Throughout the country, locals gather in the streets waving flags that represent communities and cantons. Depicted in today’s artwork, the national flag of Switzerland features a white cross on a red field. Today the flag decorates homes, gardens, lanterns, and even food items. Happy National Day, Switzerland! Location: Tags: , , ,
