The Colorful Cultures of Children Around the World – Asia, Part 1 of 2

Are you ready to explore the colorful world of Asian kids? Let’s go!

In Âu Lạc (Vietnam), people often say, “Young people do small things according to their ability.” This proverb reminds us of our responsibility to those around us. Whether they’re city kids or country kids, there’s one thing that’s the same – they all learn to listen to their parents, show respect to older people, and help out at home.

The Japanese kids usually start school at age six, but many of them go to kindergarten as early as three! In the cities, even little kids often go to school alone, sometimes taking up to 30 minutes to get there in big places like Tokyo. This helps them become independent! The youngest kids wear bright yellow hats so that everyone knows they might need help if they get lost. And you can spot them by our special backpacks called randoseru! After school, they dive into clubs or after-school programs like gakudo (after-school care programs) or bukatsu (extracurricular activities). In school, they don’t just learn from books. They also learn to be good people, do things on their own, and get along with others. They even help clean classrooms and serve lunch, which teaches them responsibility from a young age!

Talking about Asian families, kids have to show respect to older people in special ways. It’s something they take seriously! Take our friends in Korea, for instance. On New Year’s Day, they have a wonderful tradition called “sebae.” They perform a deep bow to their grandparents and older family members. It’s a meaningful way of saying “Happy New Year!” and “Thank you for caring for me!” In Thailand, children practice a gesture known as a “wai.” They bring their hands together like they’re praying and give a gentle bow.

In Âu Lạc (Vietnam), people are taught from a young age to show deep respect for their elders. At family meals, they wait for the eldest family member to begin eating first. The youngest members then respectfully invite each person to join the meal. This tradition reinforces the importance of family bonds and respect for one another across generations.

Additionally, in some Asian cultures, welcoming a new life comes with special customs and rituals that celebrate this big moment. These ceremonies are meant to protect, bless, and guide kids as they grow up. In India, the “mundane” ceremony involves shaving a baby’s first hair, which marks a baby’s first intake of solid food, usually rice. Chinese families celebrate the “Zhuazhou” ceremony on a child’s first birthday.