Tomorrow (Saturday September 10) is Teacher’s Day in China, a special day to celebrate the hard work and valuable contribution made by educators.
The idea of Teachers’ Day was first mooted as far back as 1931. Initially, the government was skeptical since the suggestion came from educators themselves, but in 1939 the day was officially recognized and moved to August 27, the traditional birthday of Kongzi (Confucius). In 1951, the new Communist government merged it with Labor Day (May 1). However, in 1984 the Beijing Evening Paper proposed that teachers should have their own day again, and the suggestion caught on. In 1985, the modern celebration was enshrined in law. The date of September 10 was chosen because it’s near the beginning of the school year.
On the day itself, kids are encouraged to bring gifts for their teacher. There’s been a recent clampdown on a growing trend of offering extravagant gifts, such as smartphones, jewellery, and watches due to concerns of corruption – sorry, teachers! Instead, children are encouraged to make a card or bring flowers.
Since this year, Teachers’ Day falls on a Saturday, why not treat the educator in your life to some pampering? United Family Hospitals is offering them the chance to brighten their smile with a 30% discount on a check up and bleaching package.
Then, in the evening, the Big Smoke invites teachers to its All Day Happy Hour. From 5pm to 1am, they can get 20% off cocktails, house wine, and Jing A beer by showing their school ID to the fuwuyuan.
Teachers’ Day is one of three annual days in China that honors different professions. Nurses’ Day falls on May 12, as it does all around the world. Then, most importantly of all, November 8 is Journalists’ Day. We’re just letting you know now so you can start working on your handmade cards…
Photos: chinadaily.com.cn, courtesy of UFH