Why is World Poetry Day celebrated?
World Poetry Day is celebrated annually on March 21. This day is dedicated to celebrating the meaning and value of poetry around the world. The purpose of the day is to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry and to support linguistic diversity and cultural dialogue. The following article examines the reasons why World Poetry Day is celebrated and what its benefits are.
The importance of poetry for culture and society
Poetry has been part of humanity’s cultural heritage for thousands of years. It is a means of expressing feelings, thoughts and experiences in a concise and often beautiful form. Poetry can act as a mirror for society, reflecting its values, beliefs and challenges. It can also act as a tool for change and raising awareness.
Background of World Poetry Day
World Poetry Day was established in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The purpose of the day is to support linguistic diversity through poetry and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard. According to UNESCO, poetry can promote dialogue, peace and understanding between different cultures.
Goals of Poetry Day
World Poetry Day has several goals, which can be summarized as follows:
- Promoting poetry: Encourages people to read, write and publish poetry.
- Linguistic diversity: Support and protect endangered languages and cultures.
- Cultural dialogue: Promotes understanding and dialogue between different cultures.
- Artistic expression: Emphasizes the importance of poetry as a form of artistic expression.
Poetry Day customs
World Poetry Day is celebrated in many different ways in different parts of the world. Here are some examples:
- Poem recitation events and competitions
- Publications and introductions of poetry books
- Poetry workshops and courses
- Poetry events organized by schools and libraries
- Performances combining poetry and music
Summary
World Poetry Day is an important holiday that emphasizes the importance of poetry for culture and society. It offers an opportunity to promote linguistic diversity, cultural dialogue and artistic expression. Spending the day can include many kinds of events and activities that bring poetry closer to people and communities.
Sources:
UNESCO: World Poetry Day
Poetry Foundation: Why Celebrate World Poetry Day?
