Exercises

Why Wai Khru?

Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post

Ceremony starts school on a happy note

It�s time once again for Wai Khru, the traditional ceremony in which students all over Thailand pay respect to their teachers. This week�s exercise looks at the details of the Wai Khru custom.

Wai Khru normally takes place at the start of every term, and students pay respect to their teachers for imparting their knowledge and wisdom.

For the event, students prepare special items, like flowers and food, all of which have some special significance to the ceremony. Ya phraek represents patience and perseverance, makheua represents respect, and khem symbolises a sharp and creative mind. In addition, khao tok represents discipline.

PRAY BEFORE PLAY

The Wai Khru ceremony starts when the school principal lights candles and incense sticks and pays homage to the Lord Buddha. Students then pray together.

Two representatives from each classroom then come forward with a decorated tray to give to their teachers.

The ceremony is often organised on the school�s sports field or in a large hall to accommodate all the students. It is usually the first big school activity for many students and is designed to promote happiness and harmony throughout the year.

Exercise

Read the story. Then, answer the following exercise questions.

1. Which one of the following items do students not have to prepare for the special event?

a. Flowers.
b. A decorated tree.
c. Food.

2. Makheua represents a sharp and creative mind. True or false?

3. What event marks the start of the Wai Khru ceremony?

	impart (v): to pass information, knowledge, etc. to other people wisdom (n): the ability to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have perseverance (n): the quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim in spite of difficulties accommodate (v): to provide enough space for somebody or something harmony (n): a state of peaceful existence and agreement