Wi Kru Day

Wi Kru Day is celebrated every year in Thailand schools. It is a day to show respect and to honor all teachers. To "wi" is the proper form of greeting others, it's like saying hello in a very polite way.  A wi is done with hands in a prayer shape and head bowed. The position of the hands varies as to the person you are greeting; there is one way for royalty, one for monks, yet another for elders and teachers. 

The Thai word "kru" means teacher, hence "Wi Kru Day is a when school children bring friut and flowers to their teachers. Then they do a formal presentation by getting on their knees and bowing to show respect and gratitude. It is a very moving and touching ceremony.

A great deal of preparation and care goes into the presentation of the floral arrangements and fruit baskets as they become works of art.

The evening English class I teach also decided to honor me. I was overwhelmed by their show of gratitude for my teaching, but I did not want them to bow down to me as they are friends and teachers, including the principal of a Thai Government schools with over 5.000 students (like the public schools in America). So we agreed to laugh and hug and share the fruit and flowers. It was a wonderful day and night to feel so appreciated.

 The Smiling Golden Buddha sits in a Chinese Temple in Thailand. 

Sending Love, Peace and Blessings