Taiwan National Day, also known as Double Tenth Day or Double Ten Day, is a significant public holiday celebrated on the 10th of October each year in Taiwan. This day marks the commemoration of the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, a pivotal event that led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC). In this article, we’ll delve into the history, celebrations, and recent political conflicts surrounding Taiwan’s National Day.
The Founding of the Republic of China
The origins of Taiwan National Day trace back to the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 1911, which initiated the end of the Qing Dynasty’s rule in China. This uprising paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912.
The National Day of the ROC was celebrated in China until 1949 when the ROC lost the Chinese Civil War to the Communists. Despite losing control of mainland China to the Chinese Communist Party, the ROC government retreated to the island of Taiwan, where it continues to celebrate Double Ten Day.
Celebration in Taiwan
Today, Double Tenth Day is exclusively celebrated as the National Day in regions under the administration of the Republic of China, notably Taiwan. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that Taiwan, along with Penghu, was not even part of China in 1911 when the events leading to Double Tenth Day unfolded. Instead, Double Tenth Day’s celebration in Taiwan only started in 1945 following Japan’s surrender when Taiwan was transferred to ROC governance.
How is it Celebrated?
In Taiwan, the official celebration begins with the raising of the flag of the Republic of China in front of the Presidential Office Building. This is accompanied by a public singing of the National Anthem of the Republic of China. The day is marked with various festivities, including lion dances, drum teams, and displays of Taiwanese indigenous culture. A military parade may also occur, and the president of Taiwan addresses the nation. Fireworks displays light up major cities in Taiwan, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Celebration in China
In mainland China, the celebration of Double Tenth Day as the National Day came to an end with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, which marked the introduction of a new national day. Nonetheless, October 10 continues to hold significance as an important date, observed as the Anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. This observance places a stronger emphasis on the revolutionary elements of the event rather than commemorating the founding of the Republic of China.
Celebration Outside Taiwan or China
Many overseas Chinese communities, especially those in the United States, continue to celebrate the ROC National Day. These communities consist of members who emigrated from China during the Republican Era and still hold a deep connection to the ROC as their homeland.
Interestingly, with the arrival of new Chinese immigrants from Communist China in these overseas Chinese communities, it’s not uncommon to witness concurrent celebrations of both Double Tenth Day and the National Day of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The proximity of these two national days, occurring just 10 days apart, often results in a unique display of patriotism. Therefore, taking a stroll through Chinatowns at the beginning of October may offer the sight of both ROC and PRC flags proudly displayed from windows, symbolizing the diverse historical, cultural and political ties within these communities.
Recent Political Conflicts over the National Day
In recent years, Taiwan’s National Day has become a focal point of political disputes. Double Ten Day had always been referred to as the National Day of the Republic of China in Taiwan, until very recently, with the election of President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party, when it started to be referred to as Taiwan National Day.
Some individuals from the opposition Koumintang (KMT), like former President Ma Ying-jeou, argue that using the name “Taiwan National Day” implies Taiwan’s independence, a notion that goes against the principles of the ROC. These debates have led to a shift in how the holiday is perceived, with some viewing it as slightly absurd due to the disconnect between its origins and Taiwan’s modern identity.
Taiwan National Day Logo
Every year, Double Tenth Day receives a distinctive logo, typically featuring a combination of two Chinese characters for the number 10 (å), symbolizing “double tenth.”
With the election of President Tsai Ing-wen, these logos have departed from the traditional colors associated with the Republic of China, embracing more contemporary designs.
Taiwan National Day, more accurately, the National Day of the Republic of China, is a celebration that still hold significance in Taiwan, but also China and in overseas Chinese communities. It reflects the Taiwan’s evolving identity and political dynamics. The annual logo updates symbolize these changes.
Bubble Tea Island 