National Kim Day – October 11, 2022, history, significance
National Kim Day is observed on October 11 every year. This day is held to celebrate all those named ‘Kim.’ This name is both a male and female unisex given name. It is also commonly used as a diminutive or nickname for other names, such as Kimber, Kimberly, Kimberley, Kimball, and Kimiko. It is short for various male names such as Kimutai and Kimani, in Kenya. This name can also be found in Korea, where it has the meaning of ‘gold,’ and as a surname, it comprises about 20% of the Korean population.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL KIM DAY
Even though Kim is used as an English name, it is the most used and familiar name in Korea. The truth is that about 20% of South Korea’s population has someone in their family named Kim. The total would be about 10 million people. The answer to this “coincidence” lies in the historical significance of the Kims. In the Silla kingdom, Kim, which means ‘gold,’ was the name of a family that rose to prominence and became the rulers of Silla for almost 700 years.
In Korea, surnames were rare among anyone but royalty and the aristocracy for many centuries. This circumstance about the granting of surnames became a mark of favor by the king during the Goryeo dynasty. During the late Joseon dynasty, some commoners used family names for social and economic advantage, a practice that spread until the class system was abolished in 1894 and the Japanese colonizers forced Koreans to take surnames. It is a reality that commoners often chose the names of lofty clans like the Kims, the Lees, or the Parks.
But not even all those who are Kims by inheritance are the same. A basic unit of the Korean traditional kinship system is the clan, which is a group whose surname signifies a common geographical origin. Thus, different Kims’ can trace their lineage to different places, most notably Gimhae. The southeastern city was the place in which Kim Su-Ro was born, the man recognized as the original Kim and the founder of Gaya, another ancient Korean kingdom. There are some 300 other
Kim clans, including those that originate from Gyeongju, Andong — which actually has two Kim clans — and Gwangsan.
NATIONAL KIM DAY TIMELINE
668 B.C.
Meaning of Kim in Silla
Kim, which means ‘gold,’ is the name of a family that rises to prominence and become the rulers of Silla for 700 years.
1392
Surnames are Granted
The granting of surnames becomes a mark of favor by the king during the Goryeo dynasty.
1894
Japanese Colonizers Take Control
The Japanese colonizers force Koreans to take surnames.
1910
Commoners Adopt Family Names
Some commoners adopt family names for social and economic advantage.
NATIONAL KIM DAY ACTIVITIES
Learn about Korean history
As Kim is a famous name in Korea and has a long story, you can take this day as an opportunity to learn about Korean history. Search for information on the Internet or watch a movie.
Watch Kim Kardashian’s reality show
The most famous person in the world named Kardashian is, of course, Kim Kardashian. Save the date to watch her reality show.
Host a party
Invite your family and friends and host a party. You can decorate the place with pictures of your favorite Kims.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KIM KARDASHIAN
Kim has six piercings
She has piercings on her belly button, one in her right ear, and four on her left.
Kim has a passion for bees
This popular celebrity doesn’t fear bees and would even hold and play with them when she was younger.
She has odd phobias
Kim has said that she hates the sleeve on Starbucks cups.
Worst thing on the planet for Kim
Kim believes that the “worst thing on the planet” is when women’s foundation is “too light.”
Kim has been married three times
She has been married to Damon Thomas, Kris Humphries, and Kanye West.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL KIM DAY
It is a day to learn about other cultures
This day is an opportunity to learn about Korean culture and traditions. Kim is a very important name with a long history in the country.
It is a day to have fun
As stated, Kim Kardashian is one of the most famous people in the world. You can enjoy this day watching her reality or live on Instagram.
Kim can be used as a name and a surname
Kim is ranked #77 in terms of the most common surnames in the United States. Moreover, the Kim surname appeared 262,352 times in the 2010 census.
