Teacher's Day

Today was Teacher's Day here in Taiwan. Though named Teacher's Day, we didn't get the day off of work. This day is actually set aside to mark the birthday of the revered Eastern scholar and teacher, Confucius. However, on this day awards are also given to outstanding educators throughout Taiwan.

Early this morning (around 6:00 am) at Confucius temples across Taiwan, people gathered to observe or participate in ritual celebrations. The ceremony follows 2,000 year old procedures to honor the educator. The morning's activities include ancient ceremonial dance and music played on traditional instruments, both performed in ceremonial costumes. The temple doors are opened to the sounds of drums and the blood and hair of sacrificed animals is symbolically buried, the gods are welcomed, incense is burned, and gifts are offered, among other activities.

Since the holiday fell on Moon Festival last year, I was able to attend the ceremony along with my friends Becky and Rick. Therefore, the pictures you see posted here are actually from last year's Teacher's Day. Afraid there would be a crowd and not really sure what time things got started, we arrived very early in the morning (like between 4:30 - 5:00am!) so as not to miss anything.

An early ceremony was held around 6:00am. I think it's during this one that the animals are sacrificed and some of their blood and hair taken. We, however, did not actually get to see the animals.

Later (around 9:00am) a larger and more elaborate celebration was held. Noticing us foreigners among the crowd, a special welcome was made to us during the opening and quick arrangements were made to have some of the proceedings translated into English to help us better understand the ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with a hand washing ritual in which all in attendance could participate. Shutters clicked wildly as we were surrounded by photographers when we took our turn at the hand washing table. It was all very interesting and in the end I was glad I had sacrificed sleep to attend.

While Confucianism is a philosophy rather than a religion, some have made a religion out of following his teachings. The ideas and philosophies taught by Confucius are still very much a part of Taiwan's culture and society.

Last year I found a good site explaining the ceremony. I hope to find it again and post it here for anyone interested in further reading on the subject.