The Republic of China's **Constitution Implementation Day** is observed annually on December 25th, primarily to commemorate the formal implementation of the *Constitution of the Republic of China*.

Historical Background and Origin:

In 1945, after World War II, the Nationalist government invited prominent figures from political parties and society, including the Kuomintang (KMT), the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese Youth Party, the Chinese Democratic Socialist Party, and the Democratic League, to participate in the Political Consultative Conference to discuss a draft constitution (known as the *Political Consultative Conference Draft Constitution*). Due to disagreements between the KMT and the CPC, the CPC and the Democratic League withdrew from the constitution-making process.

In November 1946, the National Constitutional Assembly convened in Nanjing, led by the KMT, the Chinese Youth Party, and the Chinese Democratic Socialist Party. The *Constitution of the Republic of China* was passed in its third reading on December 25th, 1946 (the 35th year of the Republic of China).

On January 1st, 1947 (the 36th year of the Republic of China), the Nationalist government officially promulgated the constitution, which came into effect on December 25th of the same year (i.e., "constitution implementation"). Therefore, December 25th was designated as "Constitution Implementation Commemoration Day" to commemorate the implementation of the Constitution, symbolizing a democratic milestone in the end of tutelage and the implementation of constitutional government.

The Special Significance of Sharing the Same Date as Christmas: The choice of December 25th (Christmas Day) for the Constitution Implementation date was not purely coincidental. Chiang Kai-shek, then Chairman of the Nationalist Government (a Christian), delivered a radio address before Christmas 1947, emphasizing the individual dignity and freedom incorporated into the Christian spirit of the new Constitution, viewing it as the day of the Republic of China's "rebirth." This was seen as a deliberate arrangement, combining the implementation of constitutional government with the symbolic meaning of Christmas.

Changes in the Holiday's Status:

- In 1963 (Republic of China Year 52), the Executive Yuan designated Constitution Implementation Commemoration Day as a national holiday, with a one-day national holiday (until 2000).

- From 2001 onwards, due to the implementation of the two-day weekend, it became a commemoration day without a public holiday.

- Starting in 2025 (Republic of China Year 114), the Legislative Yuan will pass the "Regulations Governing the Implementation of Commemorative Days and Holidays," restoring it as a national holiday (currently December 19, 2025, and taking effect next week, December 25).

This commemorative day not only marks the beginning of constitutional government in the Republic of China but also reflects the pursuit of democracy and freedom within the historical context of that time.