Children's Day Rose

Illustration of a peach-colored rose on a blue gradient background; the head of a small child with dark hair and caramel-colored skin is emerging from the petals of the rose

Founded in 1856 by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, National Children’s Day, also known as “Rose Day,” started as a special day to commemorate the baptizing of children. Leonard held the first service day on June 11th at the Universalist Church in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Presently, Rose Day/National Children’s Day is on the first Sunday in June.

The official website lists the following ways in which we can honor and celebrate the children in our lives: start new traditions, continue family traditions, explore the outdoors, tell family stories, seek adventure, be creative, and more. The United Nations also honors children on “World Children’s Day,” though this celebration takes place on November 20th. The celebration is in accordance with the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the ‘Declaration of the Rights of the Child.’

Both Rose Day and World Children’s Day advocate, promote, and celebrate children’s rights, leading to “dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children” (“World Children’s Day,” United Nations).