Weekly Poetry Challenge four

The Day of the Sun

The Day of the Sun

The Day of the Sun

North Korea is an isolated, forbidding, strange country
a complex mix of Chinese, Korean, Japanese
and Russian cultural influences.

It is a neo-Stalinist totalitarian state
with a cult of personality
and echoes of ancient Korean Kings
Buddhist and Confucian traditions.

blended together
creating a unique country
that does thing
North Korean style.

only in North Korea
do you find the unique holiday
the Day of the Sun,

celebrating the birth
of the founder
Kim Il Sung,

who has been deified
turned into a quasi-divine figure
almost a God Emperor.

echoes of ancient Chinese
and yes Japanese prototypes.

On the day of the Sun
April 15
the government hands out goods,
goodies including lavish feasts
for the military service members.

and hold mass games
and other festivals.


Sun



Poem should be inspired by the prompt word(s)/image in some way
A minimum of 12 lines, no maximum
There are no form requirements

Co-Pilot supplied the following background information

The Day of the Sun (Korean: 태양절; MR: T’aeyang-jŏl) is an annual public holiday in North Korea, observed on 15 April. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the founder and Eternal President of North Korea. This holiday holds immense significance in the country and is often considered the North Korean equivalent of Christmas. Kim Il Sung, who was born in 1912 in the village of Mangyongdae (now a suburb of Pyongyang), is frequently referred to as the “Sun of the Nation.” The name of the holiday itself derives from his name, as “Il-sung” means “become the Sun” in Korean1.
On the Day of the Sun, North Koreans engage in various observances, including:
• Visiting Statues and Monuments: People visit locations associated with Kim Il Sung’s life, such as the numerous statues scattered across the country or Mangyongdae, his birthplace in Pyongyang.
• Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: The most important observances occur in the capital city, where people visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim Il Sung’s body lies in rest.
• Mansu Hill Grand Monument: Another significant site is the Mansu Hill Grand Monument, featuring a tall statue of the leader.
• Festivities and Gifts: The state aims to provide citizens with more food and electricity than usual. Children receive candy and other gifts as a symbol of the love shown by the leaders.
• Extended Celebrations: Commemorations begin from 16 February (Kim Jong Il’s birthday) during the Loyalty Festival and continue throughout April as the Sun Festival. The holiday itself is followed by two days of rest, making it a three-day celebration1.
In summary, the Day of the Sun is a significant occasion in North Korea, honoring the legacy of Kim Il Sung and celebrating his enduring influence on the nation1. 🌞🇰🇵