China’s Teachers’ Day
For many students, a new semester has just begun, which means going back to school. And for some, that means meeting new teachers that they have never met before. But did you know that also around this time is China’s Teachers’ Day?
Don’t get confused because China’s Teachers’ Day is on September 10th, while another World Teachers’ Day is on October 5th. Anyway, what we’re talking about here is Teachers’ Day in China. Since ancient times, it’s been a tradition to respect teachers. Why is a teacher so important? They don’t only teach you important facts that you will frequently use throughout your whole life. Teachers also impact ethical values, including cooperating and helping others in need, crucial in maintaining a society. They can also cheer us up when we’re not feeling well, teaching efficiently even in hard times. Teachers are always trying to maintain a happy environment in the classroom, coming to think about it.
When talking about China’s Teachers’ Day, you will probably also hear another name, Confucius, regarded as the father of all educators. He was born in the Spring and Autumn period of 770-481 BCE in modern-day Shandong Province. After quickly rising through the ranks of labor and governmental positions, Confucius earned a reputation as an adviser and skilled educator and dedicated his life to educating others. He said that “I have never grown tired of learning, nor weary in teaching others what I have learned.” People of his time believed that he was the human embodiment of a sage. In the thousands of years after, many people still study his sayings and listen to his advice.
The earliest celebration resembling Teachers’ Day can be traced back to the Han dynasty 2000 years ago, when it got widely held on the 27th day of the eighth lunar month, believed to be the birthday of Confucius. Emperors and other officials celebrated by visiting temples built to honor Confucius, often holding literary collections related to him and his disciples. Nowadays, every September 10th, many teachers enjoy bonuses from school administrations or even a few hours off! Graduated students would also return to give presents to their favorite former teachers to mark the holiday.
In China, teachers are sometimes compared to gardeners, while students are flowers that need watering and nourishment. And hard-working gardeners indeed! So as a flower, what could you do? Well, you could make a little gift card for your teachers. Or, maybe you could sing a song, organize a dance with classmates. Even fold a paper airplane with words you want to say to them. Open up your imagination, and do what you want to celebrate Teachers’ Day! That is a production of the New News Newsminute. Thank you, teachers, for all your hard work and effort!