THE SYMBOL OF TEACHERS THE HISTORY OF APPLES IN SCHOOLS
As you prepare to send your little ones off to school for the first time, you may notice a familiar sight in their classrooms - bright red apples. But have you ever stopped to wonder why this little fruit has become such a ubiquitous symbol of education?
Well, fear not, dear reader, for I have delved deep into the annals of history to uncover the truth behind the apple's association with schools and teachers.
It all started back in the 1700s, when governments around the world weren't exactly throwing money at education. Instead, poor families in Denmark and Sweden would give their children's teachers baskets of apples and potatoes as payment for their services.
Fast forward to America in the 1800s, and things weren't much different for the lower classes. Children were taught by apprentices or by church-funded schools, and families in remote areas would often exchange produce from their farms for lessons. And what was the most popular produce of all? You guessed it - apples.
But it wasn't just any old apple that teachers were receiving as payment. Oh no, these apples were commonly used to make hard apple cider, which was regarded at the time as a safer beverage than water. So not only were teachers getting paid, they were also getting a little buzz on the side.
Of course, times have changed since then. Prohibition put an end to the hard cider trade, and schools are now publicly funded (at least in most parts of the world). But the tradition of giving apples to teachers lives on.
These days, students and parents often give apples as a healthy snack option for hardworking teachers. But let's be real - plain old apples can be a bit boring. So why not upgrade to something a little more exciting, like a caramel apple?
Yes, my friends, the caramel apple is the perfect back-to-school treat. Not only is it delicious, but it also has a long and storied history. And with so many different styles to choose from (chocolate-covered, sprinkled with nuts, drizzled with caramel sauce...the possibilities are endless), your child's teacher is sure to appreciate the extra effort.
So there you have it - the fascinating history of the apple's association with schools and teachers. Who knew that a simple piece of fruit could have such a rich backstory? And who knows - maybe one day, we'll be giving our children's teachers something even more exciting than a caramel apple. Perhaps a basket of avocados, or a bouquet of kale. The possibilities are endless, my friends.
Why Do Teachers Get Apples? A Back-To-School Tradition, Explained | HuffPost Parents https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/giving-apples-teachers-explained_ca_5d7180cae4b06d55b970d92b
