An apple for the teacher
According to various sources, the juicy fruit is a traditional present for teachers. Some think the practice originated as a simple gift of food for poorly paid teachers. Fresh apples used to be a very expensive so an apple for the teacher was a way to show gratitude to the teacher.
Others believe the good health associated with apples made the present particularly meaningful.
Also, when education was first instituted, it was not free. Since food and services were considered more valuable than money, these would often be traded for the tuition. If food was the bartered item, it was rare to give the food all at once since it would spoil. Therefore, the student would give an apple a day to ensure that the teacher would receive the full payment of food in fresh unspoiled produce.
I woke up this morning with the image of an apple in my mind’s eye.
As I lay in bed thinking why, it reminded me to give gratitude to all of the teachers I have had in my life. Some have been formally appointed my teacher,and others have just been there to help me learn as I lived. Of course, many of them have been my “students” and I’ve learned most of all from them!
Thank-you everyone - I really appreciate the gifts you have given me.
