On Friday just gone, our small primary 1 to 3 classes had to go to our lovely hall to practice for Wai Khru Day that is coming up on the 11th of June. Wai Khru is usually held on a Thursday as this is the day of Brihaspati, Vedic god of wisdom and teachers.
Wai Khru virtually means to pay respect to teachers. At the start of the new school year, all schools across Thailand hold this ceremony to honour the teachers.
During the morning a special ceremony is held for the teachers. Early before school starts monks could even attend the school to receive merit from students. I am not sure what is completely planned as of yet as I haven’t enquired.
I will take pictures this year of all the small things that are usually overlooked. There are so many small arrangements of ornaments and flowers that have special meanings.
The first Wai Khru Day I attended I hated it. School children were crawling on their knees to me and then bowing at my feet. I felt horrible that the children were doing this.
Now after being through 4 of them and number 5 approaching I am more than happy to participate in the day. I have researched the day and know what all the things mean, from the flower arrangements (different flowers mean different things), the Wai Khru chant the students do, to how the Buddhist altar is set. This has made me much more appreciative of the day.
Anyway, that Wai Khru Day is coming and how much practice the students will do is unknown. I do hope it isn’t too many periods. I didn’t lose any periods the other day thankfully and hope this is the same for the coming weeks.
Brunty
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