Recently, a set of photos showing students kneeling before their teachers at the opening ceremony of Beijing Phoenix Ridge Academy went viral online. In the photos, students dressed in grey long gowns kneel and kowtow to their teachers, who are seated in red-collared black shirts and wicker chairs, while simultaneously offering tea to them. These photos sparked considerable debate online, with some netizens claiming that kneeling is not an essential part of Chinese civilization and should be abandoned, and others even calling it a "disgrace." But I ask, where is this "disgrace"?
In ancient times, kneeling meant standing with both legs upright, sitting meant placing the buttocks on the heels, and bowing meant bowing. Kneeling and bowing is one of the most important forms of etiquette in ancient China, also known as kowtowing or prostrating. In traditional Chinese culture, it was a form of etiquette performed by those of lower social status to those of higher social status. Since people sat on the ground, bowing while seated was considered natural and proper, from commoners to scholars, and carried no connotation of inferiority. It was only with the advent of tables and chairs in later generations, where elders sat on chairs and those bowing knelt or sat on the ground, that the modern concept of "kneeling" came
about, transforming it into an unequal and lowly concept. Respect for teachers and education has always been a core element of Chinese civilization. In ancient times, apprentices in traditional handicrafts were required to kneel before their masters, a practice rooted in Confucian culture. Kneeling represents a commitment in the traditional master-apprentice relationship: the disciple sincerely accepts the teacher's teachings, and the teacher wholeheartedly imparts all their knowledge. This commitment is sacred and noble, and both teacher and student
act voluntarily. In traditional Chinese culture, kowtowing is the highest symbol of respect. Kneeling before someone signifies loyalty and respect, while being forced to kneel is often considered a disgrace. There's a saying: "A man's knees are worth gold, only kneeling to Heaven and his parents." But this is merely a matter of character; filial piety towards parents, respect for teachers, and loyalty to the country are the true spirit. Mr. Lin, a participant in this kneeling activity, stated, "Kneeling is about respecting the teacher's personal charisma and showing reverence for traditional Chinese culture. Those who don't understand will never grasp its meaning." Mr. Wu, who once taught painting at the City University of Macau, also said that treating one's teacher as one would one's father is a continuation of traditional Chinese culture. The act of kneeling and bowing embodies a sense of responsibility. "We are not just bowing to our teachers, but to the lost or forgotten traditional culture."
Therefore, please stop saying that kneeling and bowing is a disgrace. This form is simply an inheritance of traditional culture. Please see the true meaning of "kneeling and bowing": a promise, a respect, a trust, a responsibility; it has nothing to do with "disgrace."
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