Teacher’s Appreciation Day( วันไหว้ครูWan Wai Kruu)
The วันไหว้ครู/Wan Wai Kru/ or Teachers’ Appreciation Day, which is held shortly after the beginning of the term, on the first Thursday of June, as for Thais, Thursday is traditionally the day of wisdom and teachers. It’s first time for Paul to be part of this ceremony. Each class prepared two flower trays a week ahead. In all the Thai schools, from kindergarten to universities and colleges, teachers are honored and highly respected. ครู/kruu/ in Thai is ‘teacher,’ which means heavy in duty or responsibility.
During the “Wai Kruu ceremony” the children crawled up to the teachers on their knees, heads down, and presented their teachers with flower tray with candles and incense. The Students would recite the wai kru chant, which expresses respect for, and gratitude to the teachers, and asks for the teachers’ blessing of their studies.
The flower trays given to the teachers have three specific flowers in them:
1. ดอกเข็ม(ixora) symbolizing wit.
2. ดอกมะเขือ(eggplant flowers) symbolizing respect.
3. หญ้าแพรก[yâa prâek] (Burmuda Grass ; Wire Grass ; Dub Grass) symbolizing respect perseverance.
1. ดอกเข็ม(ixora) symbolizing wit.
2. ดอกมะเขือ(eggplant flowers) symbolizing respect.
3. หญ้าแพรก[yâa prâek] (Burmuda Grass ; Wire Grass ; Dub Grass) symbolizing respect perseverance.
I had this opportunity to put my hands on each of the student that brought flowers to me and prayed over their lives. It was a first time experience to see students crawling on their knees with heads bowed worshiping their teachers.
Thank you Lord for leading us to show your love in many ways.