Teacher's Day!

Today is a very important day in the life of every Chinese teacher: Teacher’s Day. Teacher’s Day is an ancient Chinese tradition that honors the work of teachers every September 10th. I guess the equivalent in America would be Teacher’s Appreciation Day, but in name only. This day was more like Christmas than a Teacher’s Appreciation Day in the US that most students are completely ignorant of. Every student that crossed my path in the hall changed their greeting from the everyday “Lǎoshī hǎo” (Hello teacher) to “Happy Teacher’s Day!” And at the beginning of each class, the students shouted "Happy Teacher's Day" at the top of their lungs. Just imgaine 65 little ones screaming like they just saw Justin Timberlake and you'll get the idea. It actually began to hurt my ears the fourth time around. When it comes to gifts, I really made out like bandit. I received over 15 cards, two carnations, some type of candied Chinese fruit on a stick, a bouquet of fake flowers, a key chain, a lollypop and a Chinese knot. I never expected this type of out pouring of affection. It really made me feel appreciated by the students! So, on May 6th, show all the US teachers you know a Chinese-style Teacher’s Day. They’ll never see it coming! :)