North Korea’s calendar is not merely a list of dates, national holidays, and commemorative anniversaries. It offers a curated glimpse into the tightly controlled, highly symbolic world of tributes and gifts presented to the nation's dictators.
More specifically, the 2019 calendar reflects the regime’s international relationships, the ideological significance of these gifts, and the perpetual efforts to elevate the Kim family through a cult of personality.
Each month in this calendar highlights an item gifted to the Kim family, ranging from ornate crystal vases to intricate sculptures, symbolizing North Korea’s international standing and the diplomatic gestures made toward its leaders.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fascinating items featured in the 2019 calendar, which not only illustrate the regime’s perception of its global ties but also shed light on the symbolic role these objects play in North Korea’s carefully managed image.
The Juche Calendar: Time as a Tool of Indoctrination
Before diving into the specifics of each month’s item, it’s important to understand the context within which the North Korean calendar operates. North Korea follows the Juche calendar, which begins in 1912, the year of Kim Il Sung’s birth. This is more than just a bureaucratic quirk—it reflects the regime’s narrative that Kim Il Sung is not just the founder of North Korea but the central figure in the country’s history. The use of the Juche calendar reinforces the idea that time itself revolves around the Kim family. Every date, anniversary, and even the celebration of gifts to the leaders is meticulously tied to the regime’s ideology and cult of personality.
Another ubiquitous element found in the calendar is the phrase “The Great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il Will Always Be with Us.” This phrase is more than just a slogan; it is part of a larger effort to immortalize the Kim family and ensure that loyalty to the leaders remains a cornerstone of North Korean life. It appears repeatedly in textbooks, posters, and calendars, embedding the leaders into the daily routine and mindset of North Korean citizens from a very young age.
January
"Crystal Vase" presented to the Respected Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong Un by the Director General of the Kuwaiti Arab Government Company (an Egyptian) on January 8, Juche 102 (2013).
This seemingly simple gift of a vase is more than just a decorative item; it serves as a token of diplomatic goodwill between North Korea and Kuwait. North Korea has maintained relations with various countries in the Middle East, particularly in construction and labor exchanges, where North Korean workers have been dispatched to work in places like Kuwait. A gift like this signals a connection between these countries, symbolizing cooperation despite North Korea’s international isolation.
February
Gold Craft "Longevity Peach" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the WanXiang Group from China on February 16, Juche 98 (2009).
The peach, a traditional Chinese symbol of immortality and longevity, speaks directly to the mythologizing of the Kim family, particularly the idea that their leadership will endure forever. Gifts like this serve not only as personal tributes but as ideological tools, emphasizing the "eternal" nature of the Kim family’s rule.
March
Silver-plated Craft "Horse and Foal" presented to the Respected Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong Un by the President of Tsar-Stroy LLC from Russia on November 21, Juche 102 (2013).
Horses are significant in North Korean symbolism, often representing strength, power, and leadership. This particular gift can be interpreted as an acknowledgement of Kim Jong Un’s youth at the time and the expectation that he, like a foal, would grow into a strong and capable leader. Gifts from Russia are especially important to North Korea, as the two countries share a long history of mutual support, particularly during the Soviet era.
April
"Table Gong" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il Sung by Mohamed Siad Barre, Chairman of the Supreme Revolutionary Council of the Somali Democratic Republic on August 11, Juche 59 (1970).
It symbolizes the diplomatic relationships North Korea has forged with other revolutionary regimes and anti-colonial leaders in Africa. During the Cold War, North Korea provided military and ideological support to various African countries, seeing itself as a leader in the global anti-imperialist struggle. The gong is not just a musical instrument but a symbol of solidarity between revolutionary states.
May
Celadon Stone Sculpture "Mado Success" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il by the State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of China on February 14, Juche 100 (2011).
Celadon, a type of pottery with a distinctive green glaze, has deep cultural significance in both China and Korea, representing refinement and beauty. This gift further emphasizes the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries. The sculpture likely symbolizes harmony and continuity in the relationship between North Korea and China, reinforcing the narrative of an unbreakable bond between the two communist nations.
June
"Table Clock" presented to the Respected Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong Un by the Director General of Yav-Stroy LLC from Russia on January 8, Juche 102 (2013).
The clock likely represents the enduring nature of North Korea’s relationship with Russia, symbolizing that, like time, the connection between the two nations will continue. These gifts also serve as subtle reminders that even in times of international sanctions, North Korea maintains diplomatic and business relationships with certain key countries.
July
"Mounted Pufferfish" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il by the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Mauritius on September 6, Juche 84 (1995).
In many cultures, pufferfish represent both danger and beauty, as they are considered a delicacy but can be highly toxic if not prepared properly. For North Korea, this gift might symbolize resilience and adaptability—traits often attributed to the Kim leadership. Mauritius, a small island nation, offering such a unique gift reflects an acknowledgment of Kim Jong Il's stature and the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, despite their geographic distance and differing political systems.
August
"Porcelain Vase" presented to the Respected Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong Un by the delegation of the Pakistan Self-Reliance Research Association on April 14, Juche 103 (2014).
This particular vase, given by a Pakistani research association, likely symbolizes the enduring relationship between Pakistan and North Korea, especially in areas such as scientific research and military cooperation. The vase’s delicate beauty could be interpreted as a metaphor for the care and precision with which both nations manage their strategic ties, especially in sensitive fields like nuclear and military technology.
September
Iron Sculpture "Young Man Taming a Wild Horse" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il by the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Soviet Union on January 13, Juche 80 (1991).
In many cultures, a wild horse represents unbridled energy and power, while the act of taming it reflects mastery, control, and leadership. Presented by a high-ranking Soviet official, this gift would have resonated deeply in the context of North Korea’s alliance with the Soviet Union. It symbolizes the discipline and control that North Korea exercises over its people and political system, and it highlights the close military and ideological bond between the two socialist nations during Kim Jong Il’s leadership.
October
Metal Craft "Eagle Sitting on the Globe" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il Sung by the members of the Kim Il Sung Works Study Group in Hokkaido, Japan on July 11, Juche 73 (1964).
This gift, a metal sculpture of an eagle perched atop a globe, carries strong symbolic weight. The eagle is often associated with strength, vision, and sovereignty, while the globe beneath it implies global influence. Given by a study group from Hokkaido, Japan, this gift may have been a tribute to Kim Il Sung’s vision of North Korea’s role on the world stage. It reflects both the reverence that foreign groups had for Kim Il Sung’s leadership and North Korea’s ambitions of asserting itself as an important player in international affairs, despite its isolation.
November
"Porcelain Vase" presented to the Respected Supreme Leader Comrade Kim Jong Un by the delegation of the Foreign Military Personnel Training Department of the People's Liberation Army of China on October 25, Juche 101 (2012).
Another porcelain vase, this one given by China’s military training department, underscores the ongoing military cooperation and camaraderie between China and North Korea. The relationship between the two countries has been one of fluctuating support, but military ties have remained a cornerstone. This gift reflects the mutual respect shared between the armed forces of both nations and emphasizes China’s role as a protector and ally of North Korea, particularly in times of economic and diplomatic pressure.
December
"Crystal Vase" presented to the Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il by the First Deputy Director of the Elena Gura Tool Factory in Poland on October 30, Juche 78 (1989).
A crystal vase given by a Polish factory official speaks to North Korea’s historical ties with Eastern European socialist states during the Cold War era. The transparency and clarity of crystal could symbolize honesty and trust, or perhaps the delicate nature of international relationships. Poland, being part of the Eastern Bloc, had a unique relationship with North Korea, and this gift may represent Poland’s acknowledgment of North Korea’s place within the global socialist movement at the time. It also symbolizes the working-class solidarity that North Korea often emphasizes in its international outreach.
The Significance of These Gifts
These gifts, featured throughout North Korea’s 2019 calendar, offer more than just a glimpse into diplomatic exchanges—they serve as symbols of power, status, and legitimacy for the regime. Each gift is part of the broader narrative the regime presents to both its domestic audience and the international community. To North Korean citizens, these items represent the respect and admiration their leaders command worldwide, reinforcing the idea that North Korea is a global player, despite its isolation.
For those outside North Korea, these gifts may seem trivial or quaint, but in the context of North Korean propaganda, they are significant symbols of the regime’s perceived global stature. They are carefully curated reminders of North Korea’s relationships, showcasing the regime’s ability to maintain international ties even in the face of sanctions and isolation.
Gifts as Political Tools
The 2019 calendar provides a unique lens through which we can examine North Korea’s international relations and the symbolic value of gifts in its political culture. These items are not just tokens of goodwill but are carefully curated symbols that reinforce the regime’s legitimacy and the enduring legacy of the Kim family.
For outsiders, this calendar might resemble an Instagram feed of the dictator’s diplomatic gifts, but for North Koreans, it is a reminder of their leaders' power and global influence. Let me know your thoughts on this fascinating form of propaganda in the comments below!
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