Honoring teachers - A timeless Vietnamese tradition
The Vietnamese value of “tôn sư trọng đạo” - respecting teachers and cherishing their guidance - has been deeply rooted in our culture for generations, continuing to this day as a beautiful expression of gratitude and respect.
Every November 20th, as Teacher’s Appreciation Day approaches, students across the country honor their teachers with heartfelt gifts - tokens that go beyond material value. Whether it’s a bouquet of flowers or a handwritten card, each gift carries profound appreciation for the teachers’ quiet dedication and their noble work of nurturing minds and hearts.
Soap: A beloved "national gift" for teachers
Each generation of students has its own way of expressing gratitude on this special day. For those who grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, practical gifts like soap, food, daily essentials, or handmade crafts were common choices. Today, modern students have endless options, from tech gadgets and cosmetics to beautiful and gorgeous floral arrangements. The gifts may change with time, yet what remains unchanged is the sincerity and gratitude that each one carries.
In the 1980s and 1990s, during a time when Vietnam was still in the early stages of economic development and consumer goods were limited, a bar of soap was considered a “national gift.” It was treasured alongside long fabric rolls used to make “áo dài” - the traditional outfit often worn by teachers - or even necessities like condensed milk and MSG. Compact, affordable, and practical, soap was a thoughtful gift that carried both care and meaning.
Even now, that familiar fragrance still lingers in the hearts of many, a reminder of youthful days every time Teacher’s Appreciation Day comes around.
Among the most nostalgic gifts of the past, one stands out vividly - soap.
Source: Internet
Source: Internet
A simple gift - A lasting scent of gratitude
Today, as the economy grows and daily life becomes more abundant and more modern, the ways we express our feelings through gifts have also evolved. Students have countless ways to express appreciation to their teachers - yet the simplicity of gifting a bar of soap - pure, modest, and meaningful - continues to carry a quiet power, preserving the nostalgia of the school years.
For this year’s Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, areme presents a collection of natural, plant-based soaps - a humble yet refined way to express gratitude. Crafted entirely from botanical ingredients and pure essential oils, areme’s natural soaps gently cleanse the skin with comforting natural scents. Each bar embodies a blend of simplicity and sincerity, bridging the nostalgia of the past with the thoughtful care of modern living.
We hope this small simple gift helps you express your deepest respect and appreciation for those who have dedicated themselves to shaping our knowledge and nurturing our hearts.
To all our teachers out there, thank you very much for your hard work andHappy Vietnamese Teacher’s Day!