World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 2023: World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is an annual event held on the final Saturday of April to promote the martial arts disciplines of Tai Chi and Qigong. This year’s event occurs on April 29. Beginning in 1999, participants in up to 80 countries participated in Tai Chi and Qigong activities to promote a greater understanding of the art forms and their medical and spiritual benefits.
HISTORY OF WORLD TAI CHI AND QIGONG DAY
Tai Chi Chuan (or Tai Chi) and Qigong are two of the most widely practised Chinese martial arts disciplines in the world. The practise emphasises body alignment, gradual movements, and breathing techniques that strengthen the practitioner’s inner fortitude. These forms can enhance a person’s blood circulation, posture, and mental and physical equilibrium. Both disciplines have ancient Chinese origins, deriving primarily from Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist meditation and self-defense principles. Their philosophies evolved from the writings of various Taoist figures, such as Lao Tzu, but only took shape as practises after the introduction of Buddhism to China between 206 and 220 B.C.
Tai Chi was first documented as a practical tradition in Northern China in the 16th century, but the most widely practised form today is the ‘Yang style,’ which was popularised by martial arts master Yang Luchan in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the Chinese government helped standardise Tai Chi’s numerous techniques, thereby contributing to the martial arts’ increased popularity. The event that inspired World Tai Chi and Qigong Day occurred in 1998 in Kansas City, Missouri, where the local Tai Chi club held a public exhibition in front of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in an effort to promote the martial arts practise. Residents were permitted to participate.
After receiving coverage from major U.S. media outlets, interest in the event grew gradually, commencing in other American cities and eventually spreading globally by 1999, with events taking place in numerous nations and cities. The purpose of the event is to educate the world about the medical and spiritual benefits of both arts, as well as the advantages of implementing these ancient Chinese concepts in health, education, business, and other fields. These are taught through demonstrations, exhibitions, free lectures, and educational seminars. In this manner, the movement promotes a vision of cooperation that transcends geopolitical borders for the sake of global health.
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Activities for World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
Take involved
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is an international occasion. Feel free to participate in local events if you hear about them.
Exercise at home
You are not required to practise Tai Chi or Qigong on World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. You can do so from the comfort of your own home by incorporating the teachings into your everyday existence.
Share the news
Share information about the celebrations on social media using the #WorldTaiChiAndQigongDay hashtag to raise awareness. The more persons that are aware of it, the better.
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FIVE AMUSING TAI CHI AND QIGONG FACTS
Multiple designs
The ‘Chen,’ ‘Yang,’ ‘Wu Hao,’ ‘Wu,’ and ‘Sun’ styles are the five distinct styles of Tai Chi that differ in terms of their patterns and movements.
Therapeutic outcomes
Many claim that Tai Chi and Qigong are effective forms of therapy that can alleviate or prevent insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions.
The fundamental purpose
The primary objective of both Tai Chi and Qigong is to strengthen one’s ‘Qi,’ which is the life-sustaining internal force that permeates all living things.
Experiencing America
The first time the American public was exposed to the teachings of Qigong was in 1993, when a documentary by journalist Bill Moyers broadcast on the PBS network.
History of the names
Tai Chi Chuan is composed of the Chinese characters for’supreme’ (‘Tai’), ‘ultimate’ (‘Chi’), and ‘fist’ (‘Chuan’), whereas ‘Qigong’ is composed of the Chinese characters for ‘life force’ (‘Qi’) and ‘practise’ (‘Gong’).
WHY WE LOVE THIS DAY
The practises have benefited millions throughout the globe.
Throughout the years, numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that Tai Chi and Qigong help improve immunity to chronic diseases, reduce tension, and more. It ensures that many individuals live healthier lifestyles.
It is a day for experiencing diverse cultures.
For many, World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is an opportunity to learn about other cultures. This can help increase global awareness and education, as well as cultivate a deeper understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds.
It honours the transcendental strength of culture
The fact that World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is observed in numerous countries demonstrates the ability of a culture’s ideas to transcend national and cultural boundaries. The fact that both art forms contain universally applicable and comprehensible principles regardless of background demonstrates how interconnected we are as a species.
WORLD TAI CHI AND QIGONG DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 30 | Saturday |
| 2023 | April 29 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
