Mother Moon’s 80th birthday was celebrated in grand style in the large indoor stadium Hyojeong Global Arts Center in Gapyeong, South Korea on Sunday 7th May 2023 with more than 25,000 participants.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had sent a congratulatory message accompanied by a large floral display, that was presented to Mother Moon. According to Yeong-ho Yoon, the master of ceremony, in total 50 heads of state had sent floral wreathes. Several nations had sent plaques of appreciation. Brigi Rafini, former prime minister of Niger, delivered a congratulatory address.
A new 21-volume collection of Father Moon’s speeches as well as a 16-volume collection of Mother Moon’s speeches and other new books in Korean were presented by the publishers.
Flowers were also offered to her by grandchildren, young children, members and representatives of heads of state from several nations.
Mother Moon herself cut a large birthday cake while a song she herself had written, was sung by everyone.
Gifts were offered by representatives coming up on the large stage. One of the gifts was a large 7,2 meter wide 6 piece lacquerware arts work made by Korean craftsmen.
A large 800-voice Peace Choir sang, and there were performances by famous South Korean singers.
In the end, Mother Moon at the request of everyone, sang two songs.
According to the oriental lunar calendar, this year 5th May is the anniversary of Father and Mother Moon’s Holy Wedding in 1960. Due to bad weather with torrential rain, the birthday celebrations had to be postponed two days until the 7th May.
A smaller celebration of Mother Moon‘s birthday took place earlier this year on the actual date of her birthday, according to the lunar calendar.
Text: Knut Holdhus
Featured image above: Mother Moon blowing out the candles on the birthday cake 7th May 2023. Beside her is her daughter-in-law Yeon-a Choi. Photo: Screenshot from live transmission via PeaceLink TV.
