Randomness

Teachers are deemed to play a very pivotal role in societies all around the world. In Thailand, students do not shy away from showing gratitude and respect to their teachers. There are two days to honor them.

National Teachers’ Day (Wan Kru) is celebrated on January 16^th of every year.  It is a national holiday in honor of educators. Orchid is the symbolic flower of the day.

In a continued tradition passed on for generations, on the second Thursday of June, they celebrate Teachers’ Appreciation Day (Wan Wai Kru). It is held on Thursday, as it is thought to be an auspicious day by Thai Buddhists linked to wisdom. Schools hold the Wai Kru ceremony where students bow reverently before their teachers and offer them flowers with candles and incense in a gold or silver container. On this day both teachers and students put on their best uniform.

Students either make or buy the bouquets. They use banana leaves, wild grass, eggplant flowers, popped rice and ixora flowers. Bermuda grass and eggplant flowers signify growth and prosperity. Red ixora flowers which have sharp petals, symbolize the ability to be sharp and intelligent. The ixora flower is used to wish for blessings.

I have had the privilege of taking part in two such events. Regardless of being a foreign teacher, I was also included. During my first Teachers Appreciation Day, I honestly did not know what to do. After reciting their Buddhist chants led by a monk, the students would kneel in front of the teachers one after the other to offer their flowers and receive blessings from them. I just went with the flow by copying what the other teachers were doing.

However, with the second one, I was well informed. I knew exactly what to do and when to do it. It is a humbling and honoring experience. It is on such days that you feel more proud of being a teacher. The love shown can surely drown you.