Hanoians’ tradition of “venerating teachers and respecting morals”
VGP - Although Việt Nam’s Confucian-influenced education system was limited in scope during the feudal period, it played a remarkable role in society. Apart from determining many talented winners of civil examinations, who would become government officials, the education system trained many outstanding politicians, diplomats, military strategists, historians and writers who strengthened Việt Nam’s culture immensely.
In addition to
developing the culture of Việt
Furthermore, the
traditional education system has contributed many beautiful traditions, practices
and customs to Vietnamese culture. For example, it established in society a
fondness and respect for learning and emphasized the value of education. In
addition, teachers were given great respect, alongside patriots who had
contributed to fight for national independence and freedom. This norm is known
as “venerating the teacher and respecting morals.”
Moreover, many rich
families invited teachers to their homes in order to teach their children. Most
teachers had high titles, but did not become government officials. Either they
wanted to remain in their hometown in order to work with children, or they had
failed the mandarin examinations, despite their wisdom. For example, during the
Nguyễn Dynasty (1822-1919), a series of Confucian scholars resigned from the
government in order to return home and open schools. Among them were Nguyễn Văn
Siêu, Vũ Tông Phan, and Nguyễn Văn Lý.
Teachers often taught
morality and traditional customs first, even before teaching basic skills such
as reading and writing. Other lectures discussed the structure and morality of
the state, the king, the administration, and the family. Teachers did not
charge fees; rather, wealthier families from the village would pay teachers’
salaries. Parents would also give presents to the teacher on special holidays,
particularly during the Lunar New Year (Tết). During the rule of Emperor Minh Mạng
(1820-1840), the government even took money from other government ministries to
finance teachers’ salaries.
A
classroom in the old days
Some villages in the
suburbs of Thăng Long-Hà Nội, which had many students who succeeded in passing
the Confucian exams, would even use local taxes to pay for village teachers.
Furthermore, fresh doctoral laureates (tiến sĩ) of such exams new doctors of
philosophy (PhDs) would receive a special welcoming ceremony on their return
home. This ceremony was also meant to pay homage to ancestors. The Tiến sĩ
would be brought into town on a hammock before all others, and his teacher
would follow him on the second hammock as a honorable position.
The last Confucian
examinations were held in 1919. After that, Confucian schools, teaching, and
studying methods were abolished, but the tradition of honoring teachers and
respecting education has remained a strong moral code in Việt