Children’s Day: 'All children, except one, grow up'

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“All children, except one, grow up.”

- ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

You may all know the story of Peter Pan who flies freely all around, gets into exciting adventures and has no need to worry about the adult world.

Do you recall when you realized that Peter Pan’s spell works? We all grow up, only he stays like a child.

Toy cars. / CGTN Photo

The adult world is full of pressures such as hunting for jobs and having to pay the rent. But luckily, there is a Children’s Day each year for all kids to celebrate and for adults to remind themselves of those happy-go-lucky days.

The Women's International Democratic Federation is credited with establishing Children's Day, which was first observed on June 1, 1950.

Matryoshka dolls. /CGTN Photo

The day is actually now celebrated on various calendar dates in different countries, but they are all meant to celebrate children, protect their education rights and keep them safe.

China celebrates the day on June 1 when parents take their kids out for fun or buy them gifts. According to Toutiao data in 2017, the top three most desired gifts in China were children's literature, outfits and snacks. Rather unexpectedly, people aged between 18 to 23 are the ones that want to celebrate Children’s Day the most. Seems like there are plenty of people who refuse to grow up.

“What was your favorite toy as a child?”

When I ask the question above, what would be your answer? Do you still keep the toy? What’s the story behind it? Actually, no matter whether you still have it or you've never owned it, we should be thankful because toys were there with us and supported us at a wonderful, incredible time in our lives.

CGTN asked people from different countries and different generations to recall their childhood memories, and share with us their favorite toys and the stories behind them.

Producer: Wen Yaru

Chief Editor: Pei Jian

Director: Wang Kailin, Zheng Chenlei

Film Editors: Wang Kailin, Zheng Chenlei

Written by: Wang Kailin

Interviewed by: Wang Kailin

Voice Over: Sim Sim Wissgott

Cameraman: Qi Jianqiang, Wang Kailin, Zhang Wanbao, Zheng Chenlei

Graphic Design: Zheng Chenlei, Wang Kailin