World Poetry Day 2022: History, significance, celebrations and more
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized a day specially dedicated to poetry in 1999 at the 30th General Conference in Paris. Since then, World Poetry Day is celebrated annually on March 21 to pay tribute to poets and encourage people to nurture their creativity through poems. Poems help people to express their thoughts and emotions in a rhythmic language.
History of World Poetry Day
Epic of Gilgamesh is believed to be the earliest and most ancient documented poetry from Mesopotamia that surfaced during 2,000 BC. However, it is believed that poetry was around even when literacy wasn't as widespread. Following this, different eras witnessed the development of different types of poetry and their transformations. Human emotions have remained the core of poetry, no matter where it originated from.
Purpose of celebrating World Poetry Day
The day was recognized by UNESCO to help poetry movements and groups flourish. The objective was to promote teachings in different languages and preserve the ancient extinct languages. It aims to conserve cherished forms of poetic expressions that hold cultural value. The day also aims at making people aware of the ancient poets who led to the development of the modern world.
A few types of poems
Some popular types of poetry: 1. Haiku poems: Originally from Japan, haiku poems follow the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. However, the rule isn't always adhered to today. 2. Free verse poems: These poems have no pattern and focus on natural speech rhythms. 3. Epic poems: These are lengthy and narrative poems. 4. Sonnets: These are short lyrical poems, consisting of 14 lines.
How to celebrate the day?
If you wish to celebrate World Poetry Day, then start with writing your own poem where you can express your emotions freely. You can write a haiku, a small three-line poem of five, seven, and five syllables. You can invite over your friends and host a poetry competition. You can also buy a poetry book from your favorite author and enjoy reading them.
Works of some famous poets you must read
1. Kalidasa: Well-known for poems like Ṛtusaṃhāra, Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsa, and Meghaduta, Kalidasa was known as the Shakespeare of India. 2. Jibanananda Das: Explore the modernism of Bengali poetry through some of his popular poems like Abar Ashibo Phire, Banglar Mukh, and Banalata Sen. 3. Joy Harjo: Some popular poems of the American poet include Grace and An American Sunshine.
