Today, 14th June 2012 is our Wai Khru Ceremony. This ceremony always takes place on a Thursday towards the start of the academic year. Thursdays are considered to be auspicious for teachers. The students gathered together at the hall to say thank you to the teachers for giving them knowledge and in return the teachers gave them a blessing which the students believe will give them good luck for the coming academic year.
The ceremony begins with a Buddhist prayer ritual followed by the students' recitation of the wai khru chant, which expresses respect for and gratitude to the teachers and ask for the teachers' blessing of their studies. Selected number of students went up the stage and presented the teachers with offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks arranged on phan (traditional Thai pedestal lead trays). This was followed by a dance of selected students and a speech of the Principal, Ms. Chadinrat Assavavivatpong, offering the students guidance in their academic career. The school also presented a certificate for the student who exelled in Academic Year 2011.
The traditional offerings for wai khru represent a symbolism of student qualities, namely:
Ixora (khem) flowers, which while closed form pointed buds, symbolizing sharp wit,
Cynodon dactylon (ya phraek, or Bermuda grass), the rapid growth and resilience of which symbolize perseverance and the ability to learn,
Popped rice (khao tok, ), which symbolizes discipline, and
Eggplant flowers, which bow low when nearing fruiting, symbolizing respect and humility.
Here are some of the pictures/videos taken during the activity.
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