An ancient painting shows how students salute to Confucius. [File photo]

Apprentice to a teacher

In ancient China, children began school between the ages of 4-7. Since there was no scheduled time to begin a new term in ancient China, the most important thing for parents was to choose a prestigious teacher or a creditable school.

The teachers were usually very educated locals. Parents would prepare many gifts and rewards for them. They would also write letters of invitation asking the educated man to be their children's teacher.

If the teacher agreed, parents chose an auspicious day for their child to enter school, and prepared some school supplies which included desks, chairs, and four treasures of the study (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper).