I have a question...

[RoniMan]

how did the association of apples and teachers come about?

i'm not sure how to search for something like that on the web...so any USEFUL help is appreciated.

TIA

[hoey222]

An Apple for Teacher


The custom of giving teachers apples originated when public school teachers were paid with whatever the community could afford, often in food or goods [Source: Article: Trivial but True]

[RoniMan]

cool hoey! do you have a link to that?

[RoniMan]

no one else?

[Airencracken]

An apple a day keeps the teacher away. If thrown at the correct angle and speed.

[cheapchinese]

i always thought it was a gift from the students to the teacher, because teachers never pack lunch

[Joshua]

Request
A patron called requesting information on the origins of giving apples to teachers. Specifically, why apples and not another kind of fruit?

Sources_Used
Folklore of American Holidays Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Beliefs, Customs, Tales and Music Post - Etiquette Facts on File - Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins Shorter Oxford

http://arkstar.asl.lib.ar.us/refqa.htm

[BrewMaster]

teachers are poor so you've gotta help them out and feed them. they're like the homeless people on the corner, but without the sign.

[Joshua]

Re: apples & Teachers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Ocho on December 23, 2002
In Reply to: apples & Teachers posted by james baker on December 20, 2002

: Where and when did the practice of an apple for a teacher originate?

I do not know, but I will guess ante bellum 19th century northern United States.

The practice, I was told by my grandmother, stemmed from grammar school inwhich young children are taught the letters of the alphabet. "A" is for Apple, "B" is for Boy, etc.

Since students wanted an "A" letter grade, they would give their teachers Apples.

This practise was only followed by the brown noser, or the teacher's pet.

This kid would have been subject to bullying by the tougher and dumber kids.

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/17/messages/1146.html

[cheapchinese]

and if the boy gives himself to the teacher.........

[TofuNinja]

I thought it had something to do with Newton and the Apple falling down and Gravity...... could be wrong though

[hoey222]

this is where i found it

http://www.hungrymonster.com/FoodFacts/Food_Facts.cfm?Phrase_vch=Apples&fid=4989

[Bires]

teachers are poor so you've gotta help them out and feed them. they're like the homeless people on the corner, but without the sign.

I have a sign. A homeless guy gave it to me when he got a job as a valet at a casino, making $800/week. ;)

[tweeteresa]

i remember reading something about apples associated with teachers because school starts in the fall. as do apple season as well. also, when reciting the alphabet, ABCDE....'A' always stood for apple. hence, students gave apples to their teachers. :shrug:

[Gothic Girl]

and if the boy gives himself to the teacher.........
:eek: :shake:

[wung]

here's a wild guess ... it's got something to do with newton? symbolizes knowledge? or the thirst/curiosity for knowledge?