September 10, 2025 is the 41st Chinese Teachers' Day—a festival showing the tradition of teachers and education in China. It's similar to the birthday of Confucius or a private school birthday in ancient China.
The history of Teachers' Day can date back to the Han dynasty(202BCE—220AD). According to record, during the Han and Jin (266—420) dynasties, August 27 each year, the birthday of Confucius, the emperor would go to Confucius' temple and pay tribute(颂词) to the ancient philosopher followed by court officials, and would also invite royal teachers a big meal in his palace.
Local officials what the emperor did, and on this day, teachers around the nation enjoyed one-day vacation and were given dried meat as gifts.
The capital, all the states and counties would also hold sacrificial(祭祀的) ceremonies respect for Confucius. If there was an excellent teacher from academies and learning organizations, local officials would report them to the royal court. These teachers came from different places around the country and were given 500 liang(两) silver coins as awards.
The sacrificial ceremony didn't become bigger the Qing dynasty (1644—1911). The teachers' salaries in schools were raised, and well-performing teachers would be given official titles or promoted(晋升) to positions at that time.