Bamboo is a versatile and sustainable plant that has been used for various purposes for thousands of years. It is also a symbol of resilience, strength, and harmony in many cultures. World Bamboo Day celebrates the benefits of bamboo every year on September 18. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and theme of World Bamboo Day 2023.
History of World Bamboo Day
The World Bamboo Organization (WBO) started the idea of World Bamboo Day at the 8th World Bamboo Congress. At this event, WBO officially established the first World Bamboo Day on September 18, 2009.
This isn’t a random date. It coincides with the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who was a patron of bamboo and environmental causes. The Thai Royal Forest Department declared the day as World Bamboo Day and hosted various events and activities to mark the occasion.
Since then, World Bamboo Day has been celebrated annually around the globe. The WBO encourages anyone who wants to celebrate World Bamboo Day to use the official logos and hashtags to spread the message and join the global movement.
World Bamboo Day’s Significance
World Bamboo Day is a day of celebration and education to increase the awareness of bamboo globally. It is also a day of action and advocacy to protect natural resources and the environment, ensure sustainable utilization, promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries in regions around the globe, as well as promote traditional uses locally for community economic development.
Bamboo is a remarkable plant that has many benefits for people and the planet. Some of the reasons why bamboo is significant are:
- Bamboo grows faster than any other plant, reaching up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) per day. It matures in three to five years, while most trees take 10 to 20 years.
- We can harvest bamboo repeatedly without harming the plant or the soil. It also regenerates naturally from its own roots, without needing replanting or fertilizing.
- Bamboo absorbs up to 1.78 tonnes of CO2 per clump per year, according to some studies. It also produces 35% more oxygen than equivalent trees.
- Bamboo serves as a versatile material for various purposes, such as food, medicine, paper, textiles, furniture, construction, handicrafts, musical instruments, and more.
- It provides income and livelihood for millions of people, especially in rural areas where bamboo grows naturally.
- Bamboo represents cultural heritage and identity for many communities. It has been a symbol of wisdom, longevity, prosperity, friendship, and peace for centuries.
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World Bamboo Day 2023 Theme
There have been no official announcements about the theme of World Bamboo Day 2023. However, the hashtags #BambooisGrowing, #PlantBamboo, #KeepBambooStrong, and #InvestinourPlanet have been designated to promote the event. These hashtags encourage individuals and organizations to invest in the growth and preservation of bamboo as a solution to environmental and social challenges.
Some of the ways that you can celebrate World Bamboo Day 2023 are:
- Learn more about bamboo and its benefits by reading books, and articles, watching videos, or visiting websites related to bamboo.
- Plant bamboo in your garden or community or support bamboo planting projects in other regions or countries.
- Use bamboo products or switch to bamboo alternatives for your daily needs or preferences.
- Support local bamboo artisans or entrepreneurs by buying or promoting their products or services.
- Share your stories or experiences with bamboo on social media using the official hashtags or join online events or webinars hosted by the WBO or other partners.
- Donate or volunteer for organizations that work with bamboo for conservation or development purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is World Bamboo Day celebrated?
It is celebrated every year on September 18.
2. What is lucky bamboo?
Lucky bamboo is not related to bamboo plants, but it resembles them in appearance and growth habits. Lucky bamboo is popular as an indoor plant because it is easy to care for and it is believed to bring good luck and fortune according to Chinese traditions.
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3. How to take care of lucky bamboo?
To take care of lucky bamboo, you can follow these steps:
- Choose a pot 2 inches (5 cm) larger in diameter than the plant. You can use a clear container to show off your plant and pebbles.
- Plant your bamboo in soil or standing water filled with pebbles. If you use soil, mix a third each of sand, peat moss, and regular soil to ensure excellent drainage. If you use water, use bottled or filtered water to avoid chemicals that can harm your plant.
- Tie the stalks in place with ribbon wire or other ribbon. This will help them stay together and add some color and charm to your plant.
- Place your plant in bright, filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. Rotate your plant often so that the light reaches the entire plant evenly.
- Water your plant once a week or when the soil or water feels dry. Do not overwater or underwater your plant as this can cause root rot or leaf drop.
- Fertilize your plant once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Use only a small amount as too much fertilizer can burn your plant.
- Prune your plant regularly by cutting off any yellow or brown leaves with scissors. You can also trim the stalks to maintain the desired shape and size of your plant.
- Propagate your plant by cutting off healthy stalks with at least one leaf node and placing them in water or soil until they develop roots. You can then transplant them into new pots or add them to your existing plant.
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Conclusion
World Bamboo Day 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate one of nature’s most amazing gifts and to join forces with others who share the same passion and vision for bamboo. By participating in World Bamboo Day 2023, you can make a difference for yourself, your community, and your planet.
