New Delhi: Teachers’ Day is known to be one of the significant celebrations for both teachers and students. It is the day when we honour the role of teachers in
our lives and pay tribute to them for shaping our young minds, boosting creativity, and providing guidance for a successful future. In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5 in memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan is a celebrated teacher, scholar, and former President of India. Teachers’ Day is not just an Indian festival; it is observed on different dates in different countries.
From Asia to the Americas, Teachers’ Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of educators in our lives. Teachers’ Day is the day to show universal respect for teachers around the world. In some countries, teachers get flowers and handwritten cards or gifts, while in other countries, students plan public ceremonies for the day. Let’s look at when and how Teachers’ Day is celebrated across the globe.
When and how is Teachers’ Day celebrated across the world?
1. China: September 10
In China, Teachers’ Day is observed on September 10. As a part of Teachers’ Day celebrations, students offer flowers, cards, and small handmade gifts to their teachers. Many schools also organise cultural ceremonies to honour their educators. An interesting fact is that in China, the celebration of Teachers’ Day is a whole week of gratitude. This implies the deep respect Chinese culture holds for teachers who have impacted their lives in any way.
2. South Korea: May 15
Every year on May 15, South Korea celebrates Teachers’ Day. Popular rituals include gifting carnations to the honorary educators, which resembles admiration and respect. In extension of Teachers’ Day celebrations, students organise fun cultural games for both teachers and students.
3. Mexico: May 15
In Mexico, Teachers’ Day is also known as Día del Maestro. This festival is celebrated on May 15 every year. It is a big festival with almost all the schools and teaching institutions being decorated with poems, handmade drawings, and thank you messages for teachers. In Mexico, educators are often honoured publicly to show respect. In small towns of Mexico, community-level events are being planned to celebrate Teachers’ Day together.
4. Thailand: January 16
Teachers’ Day in Thailand is a big festival celebrated with great pomp and show. Often observed with the traditional Wai Khru Ceremony, the Teachers’ Day in Thailand is celebrated on January 16. Students in Thailand take this moment to show deep respect and gratitude for their teachers and mentors. They kneel before guides and offer symbolic flowers such as ixora and sweet grass that represent discipline and respect. In Thailand, Teacher’s Day celebrations are mainly spiritual and cultural, depicting the sacred bond between teachers and their students.
5. The United States: First Tuesday of May
In the U.S., National Teachers’ Day is celebrated for a whole week. Teachers’ Day falls every Tuesday in May. Students offer thank you cards, handmade gifts, and also plan classroom surprises for their teachers. Schools and communities together run campaigns to honour the hard work of educators put in for the successful futures of students across the world.
Teachers’ Day is not only celebrated in India but across the whole world, reflecting the global gratitude and respect for teachers. Teachers are pillars of society, and they deserve to be respected every day. Every culture in the world has its unique way of showing appreciation to its teachers.
