First day of school traditions around the world
For many children in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer vacation has almost come to an end, and it’s the first day of school is close. This is an important event around the world, and each year, millions of children start their educational journey and discover the joys of learning. These first day of school traditions are a great way to mark this special occasion for kids worldwide beginning their school life.
#1 Friends ceremony in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, kids begin their education on Tyl Ashar, which is basically the day of ‘Initiation into Education’. Teachers and parents often arrange a ceremony and a feast, with the new students getting together to make friends. Each pupil brings the teacher one flower, which she or he then adds to a class bouquet. Children will also receive a gift from their parents, which traditionally includes sweets, a candle and a pencil.
#2 First Randoseru in Japan
In Japan, the school year starts in April, and the first day of school is an important day in Japanese culture. Each student gets a stiff backpack known as a randoseru. This is an important first day of school tradition, with these bags being quite expensive. They are bought to last for the entire school journey, and they help to teach kids about the value of their possessions. On their first day, they also eat a special lunch of rice with seaweed sauce and quail eggs that promises to provide good luck throughout the year.
#3 In Saudi Arabia, back to school celebrations can last for 3 days.
In Saudi Arabia, many schools don’t start classes on the first day, but have three days of celebrations. During those days they are developing new friendships and get to know the other students. Teachers bring flowers for students and also food. There is no school, just various activities for three days to get used to everything.
#4 Smock wearing in Italy
Italian children wear their work coats to school on their very first day. Resembling smocks, these special uniforms have different coloured ribbons pinned to them to indicate which year they are entering. Although these colours differ from school to school, final year primary school pupils wear white, green and red ribbons: the colours of the Italian flag.
#5 A sense of community counts in Indonesia
First day of school traditions are all about getting to know each other in Indonesia. Schools hold activities to promote a sense of community and to help the children get better acquainted. Also known as the orientation phases, they are divided into peer groups and activities are then led by seniors and older pupils.
#6 An umbrella during Monsoon season in India
The first day of school traditions in India is celebrated on Admission Day, or praveshanotshavan. To honor this special day, pupils receive small gifts, which usually includes an umbrella. This is because school starts somewhere in May or June, which is also the start of the monsoon.
#7 Getting a Schultüte in Germany
First graders are treated to a cone of goodies, packed with sweets, school supplies and small gifts. These Schultüte can be purchased from stores during the summer holidays, but many parents choose to make their own. Literally translated as school bags, the tradition of giving Schultüte goes back to the late 18th century. Other countries such as Austria have a similar tradition of giving school cones to first-graders.
