The Origins of Teachers' Day
教师节的由来
来源:原创
The concept of honoring educators has ancient roots, but the modern incarnation of Teachers' Day as a formal observance has diverse origins across different cultures. One significant influence stems from the personal initiatives of influential figures. A prominent example is the genesis of Teachers' Day in India, which is celebrated on September 5th, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a revered philosopher and the second President of India. When his students approached him to celebrate his birthday, he famously suggested that instead of honoring him alone, the day should be dedicated to all teachers, thus transforming a personal celebration into a national tribute to the teaching community. This act highlights the deep respect for the teaching profession and the selfless spirit often associated with it.

尊师重道的理念古已有之,但现代意义上的教师节作为正式纪念日,在不同文化中有着不同的起源。其中一个重要影响源于重要人物的个人倡议。一个著名的例子是印度教师节的起源,它在9月5日庆祝,这一天是印度备受尊敬的哲学家、第二任总统萨瓦帕利·拉达克里希南博士的生日。当他的学生想要为他庆祝生日时,他提出了一个著名的建议:与其只尊崇他一人,不如将这一天献给所有的教师。于是,一个个人庆典就此转变为向全体教师群体致敬的全国性节日。这一行为凸显了对教师职业的深深敬意以及与之相关的无私奉献精神。

Another pivotal origin point is linked to historical advocacy for educators' rights and status. In many countries, the establishment of Teachers' Day is intertwined with the efforts of educational organizations or governments to recognize the crucial role teachers play in societal development. A landmark event in this context is the adoption of the "Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers" by UNESCO and the International Labour Organization on October 5th, 1966. This document set forth international standards for the rights and responsibilities of teachers. In recognition of this milestone, World Teachers' Day is now observed globally on October 5th, serving as a day to reflect on the progress made and the challenges still facing the profession, and to mobilize support for teachers worldwide.

另一个关键起源与历史上为教师权利和地位的发声有关。在许多国家,教师节的设立与教育组织或政府为认可教师在社会发展中扮演关键角色所做的努力密切相关。这方面的里程碑事件是1966年10月5日联合国教科文组织和国际劳工组织共同通过了《关于教师地位的建议书》。该文件为教师的权利和责任制定了国际标准。为纪念这一里程碑,现在全球各地在10月5日庆祝世界教师日,这一天旨在反思该职业已取得的进展和仍面临的挑战,并动员全球力量支持教师。

In China, the origin of the modern Teachers' Day on September 10th is a state-led initiative to revive respect for teachers and education following a period of societal upheaval. Established by the National People's Congress in 1985, the choice of this date was intended to provide a neutral point at the beginning of the school year, free from specific historical associations, to universally honor educators. This institutional origin underscores the role of the state in promoting cultural values and acknowledges the teaching profession's foundational contribution to national rejuvenation and the cultivation of future generations.

在中国,9月10日现代教师节的起源是一项国家主导的倡议,目的是在社会经历一段动荡时期后,重振尊师重教之风。该节日由全国人民代表大会于1985年设立,选择这一日期意在为新学年伊始提供一个中立的时间点,不带有特定的历史关联,从而普遍地致敬教育工作者。这种制度性的起源强调了国家在弘扬文化价值观方面的作用,并认可了教师职业对国家复兴和培养下一代所做出的基础性贡献。

Ultimately, whether born from the humility of a leader, the advocacy of international bodies, or national policy, the core origin of Teachers' Day remains the same: a profound societal acknowledgment of the enduring impact teachers have on individuals and the collective future. It is a day to express gratitude for their dedication, patience, and guidance in shaping minds and building a knowledgeable, compassionate society.

归根结底,无论源于一位领导者的谦逊、国际组织的倡导还是国家政策,教师节的核心起源始终如一:即社会深刻认识到教师对个人和集体未来所产生的持久影响。这是一个向教师们的奉献、耐心以及在塑造心灵、建设有知识、有爱心社会方面所给予的指导表达感激之情的日子。
【重点词汇】
incarnation n.具体化,化身
observance n.惯例;遵守;仪式;庆祝
diverse adj.多种的,种种的;不同的,相异的
initiative n.倡议,新方案;主动性,积极性;主动权(的行动)
influential adj.有影响的;有权势的
prominent adj.突出的,显著的;重要的,著名的
philosopher n.哲学家,哲人
crucial adj.至关重要的,决定性的,关键性的
neutral adj.中立的,不偏不倚的;中性的,中和的
profound adj.深刻的,意义深远的;渊博的,造诣深的
acknowledgment n.感谢;承认;承认书