Why do students give apples to their teachers?I've been a teacher for 28 years and have certainly received my share of apples... apple mugs, apple ornaments, apple paper weights, apple note pads... I think my favorite though is when a little kid brings me a real apple, especially on the first day of school. They usually have that sweet, sort of embarrassed kind of nervous little face like their mom has said, "Take this to your teacher and smile at her when you meet her." I love that.
I googled it and found a couple of possible reasons for the tradition.
* During the pioneer days, teachers were paid with a room to stay in and food brought in by the students from their family farms. Apples were harvested about the time the school year began.
* Even before that, Eve gave Adam a fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. (People usually imagine that fruit to be an apple.) Teachers represent knowledge... Apples represent knowledge... so... that tradition began a really long time ago, right?
When I went to my very first painting lesson on February 22, 2007, I painted a Tree, and I was so proud of it! I couldn't believe I'd painted something that actually looked like what it was supposed to be!
On that evening, I felt kind of nervous like a little kid on the first day of school. And, guess what... yep... I took an apple to my teacher! I did! I think it surprised her, but it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
To see her beautiful artwork, visit Dancing Brush.
[SOLD] And I love knowing my friend Laura has these yellow apples hanging in her office. :)
What an honor it has been to have such a talented student and friend. I loved the apple you brought and from then on every "fruit" of the Spirit you left with me. Each time we met and talked of art, painting, and the disposition of the world I grew to love you. I am so proud of your beautiful works and the time I had with you. We will paint together again sometime.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a Granny Smith and I can just anticipate the crunch
ReplyDelete:) Thanks!
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