A Book in Hand, A Moon in Mind
Editor's Note
President Xi has highlighted, "We need to make teaching the most esteemed and admired profession in society".
This year in celebration of Teachers' Day, the commendation ceremony was grandly held in CCNU to present certificates for those outstanding teachers.
They are teachers winning National Award for Achievement in Educational Science Research.
And another big news is that the Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with Teachers' Day! Let's see what are the similarities contained in the two festivals.
01
About Elegance
When thinking of these two festivals, what comes to your mind? Maybe the moon and a book? Here we choose some poems widely known for the moon.
In primary school classes, we learned:
Eyes raised, I see the moon so bright;
Head bent, in homesickness I'm drowned.
From Thoughts on a Tranquil Night by Li Bai
( translated by Xu Yuanchong )
In this poem, the moon represents home, accompanying us when we are alone, no matter how far away it is.
In middle school classes, we learned:
Men have sorrow and joy,
they part and meet again;
The moon may be bright or dim,
she may wax or wane.
From Prelude to Water Melody by Su Shi
( translated by Xu Yuanchong )
In this poem, the moon represents life, enlightening us when we feel sad, about the life philosophy that the sun will shine, no matter how thick clouds block our view.
In spring the river rises as high as the sea,
And with the river's rise the moon uprises bright.
From A Moonlit Night On The Spring River by Zhang Ruoxu
( translated by Xu Yuanchong )
In this poem, the moon is personified as a baby full of hope, under which river seawards flows and water gently glitters, forming a soft and harmonious whole.
Have the various images of the moon reminded you of the expressions our teachers taught, and the satisfaction we shared touching the fantastic world?
If the answer is "yes", it is inseparable from the teachers.
Teachers treat us as responsibly and devotedly as they could, so we should pass down the spirits to nourish more people as we would.
There is an old saying "once a teacher, always a father". We may all have such experiences: when we fall behind, teachers are the first to encourage us; when we have problems, teachers come and help us; when we have quarrels, teachers talk with us and untie the knot in our minds.
02
About emotion
Interview parts:
for teachers: What do you think of Teachers' Day?
On this special Day, we thank teachers for their guidance and their helping hands, and I, as a teacher, bear in mind what makes a good teacher and what is effective teaching.
Lots of messages of blessings from current and previous students and colleagues make me more determined to pursue excellence to be a role model. Another year has passed, and I need to cherish each day.
for students: Is there a teacher that you will always recall?
Yeah. I remember I was really nervous on my first day in primary school. It was a teacher who comforted me with a smile, and introduced me to others. From then on, I gradually became courageous and confident. Though many years have passed, I can still remember that day and treasure it along the way.
Usually on the Mid-Autumn Festival, passersby will be surrounded by the sweet scent of osmanthus.
03
About enjoyment
Because of the extreme drought, we can't behold the blooming of osmanthus as expected. However, there is another entertaining tradition——guessing lantern riddles. Here are some typical ones, and try to guess as much as you can! (click the riddle to find the answer)
谜
面
十五始展眉
（打一月亮雅号）
谜
底
click
谜
面
明月照我还
（打一明代人称）
谜
底
click
谜
面
中秋佳节结良缘
（打一城市）
谜
底
click
谜
面
一弯月照枝头亮，两颗星悬天下明
（打一字 ）
谜
底
click
Besides, eating mooncakes and admiring the moon are routine activities.
04
In the end
The meaning of celebrating a festival is that, we reminisce about ancient thoughts to enlighten our present life.
Through the Mid-Autumn Festival, the belief of reunion with family and harmony with nature is passed on generation by generation. As future teachers, it's not only our duty to teach knowledge, but also our responsibility to promote traditional Chinese culture.
In years to come, we may be in the forefront of education. May we are steadfast in our own journey, and wish every respectable teacher enjoy reunion in such beautiful night.
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Editor:Karan (trainee) May(trainee)
Reviser: Luyu (trainee)
Designer: Peace (trainee)