Every country has its own traditions and customs that reflect its cultural values and historical context. What comes to mind when you think about the traditions of certain countries? You might recall popular holidays, food, national clothing, major sporting events, or world-renowned festivals. However, these often describe only the most well-known aspects of a country or culture. Smaller customs, which subtly weave through each culture and shape it into what we see today, are often overlooked. For example, do you associate Germany with “cones” or Russia with a metal bell? Probably not. So, let me tell you a bit more about these two things, as they are both connected to the start of the school year. The first day of school is a significant milestone for any child. It marks the transition from early childhood to a period of formal education. Therefore, both countries have their own rituals tied to this day.

Traditionally, September 1st in Russia is a special day (Aloian, 2012). Preparation for it starts in mid-summer. In many clothing and shoe stores, stationery and book shops, and flower pavilions, you can see signs saying “September 1st.” Why? Because every school across the country, from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka, opens its doors on September 1st. Lines of joyful, well-dressed, and neatly groomed students head to schools. This day, also known as Knowledge Day, is actually associated with large celebrations, which are attended by teachers, students, and their parents (Vorobiova, 2023). It is a time for teachers to give inspirational speeches, and congratulations on the start of the school year, and this day is often marked by the opening of major educational centers. Even the president of the country participates in this event, reminding children about qualities such as honesty, a sense of conscience, love, kindness, courage, honor, generosity, responsibility (Russian president addresses students and teachers on knowledge day, 2015, para. 40). Every school year starts the same way: bouquets of flowers as gifts for teachers, white bows in the hair of little girls, a ceremonial assembly in front of the school doors, and the First Bell. The ceremonial assembly is a traditional event, almost a ritual, where all the students stand in the schoolyard and listen to congratulations. The assembly ends with the First Bell. But this is not the usual bell that will ring throughout the year. On this day, one of the senior students carries one of the first-graders on his shoulder and parades in front of everyone. It is worth noting that in Russian schools, all children from the first grade to the final graduating class study under one roof. Paying homage to tradition, this first-grade girl, a kind of symbol of a joyful student, is often dressed in a modern version of the retro uniform, which consisted of a black or dark brown dress with a white lace apron. Back then, two large bows were tied to this apron. Today, the aprons are a thing of the past, but the bows on September 1st remain, as does the special First Bell. This first-grade girl holds a metal bell with a long handle. The inscription “September 1st” and the image of such a bell are some of the most common symbols of the start of the school year and are widely used in school decorations, the design of photos from the first day of school, and numerous craft projects made by children during the first few weeks. This atmosphere prevails not only in Russia but also in other former Soviet Union countries with similar histories and cultural traditions.

First bell on Knowledge Day in Russian

The tradition of highlighting the start of the school year in a special way exists in many European countries. For example, in Germany, a small celebration is held for first graders in honor of this occasion. There is no single start date for the school year in Germany. Schools in each state start at different times. This is due to historical reasons, as the country’s main legislation did not include provisions regulating a unified education system for a long time. Individual states maintained their own school systems (Geissler, 2005). Therefore, even now, the school year starts at different times in different states: sometimes in August, sometimes in September. And generally speaking, it’s not a special day for all students, but rather only for first graders. On this day, an introduction to the school and the first teacher usually takes place. The most distinctive feature for first graders on this first school day is a large cone-shaped bag, now called a “Schultüte” (“school cone”). Initially, only sweets were placed in this cone, which is why it was originally called a “Zuckertüte,” meaning “sugar cone.” Nowadays, it is more often filled with small gifts, school supplies, or even clothing (Hardyman, 2009). These cones used to be handmade, but now they can be bought along with school backpacks. Without delving into history, this cone is a very simple gift. However, over 200 years of this tradition’s existence, it has taken an important place in German culture as a “deeply symbolic present from one generation to the next – one that carries a powerful cultural and psychological meaning” (Hardach, 2021, September 5, para. 4). This tradition is so important that it was observed even in the ruins of the post-war period. Today, these cones are also considered a significant symbol of the first school day, with charitable organizations providing them free of charge to families in need (Schuetze, 2019). Given its importance to the people of Germany, this tradition rightfully holds a key place in describing the start of the school year in Germany.

Germany’s students with “school cone”

In both Russia and Germany, the start of the school year is associated with special traditions that hold cultural significance. Every first-grader in both countries anticipates this moment with a certain sense of excitement, as this day symbolizes the beginning of a new, more grown-up phase of life. Flowers or gifts are meant to make this day especially memorable for the child. At the same time, in Russia, this event is celebrated more extensively. Nowadays, it is marked by large-scale events with a sense of ceremony (Russian president addresses students and teachers on Knowledge Day, 2015). However, 40 years ago, it was just a regular school day with a small ceremony and the First Bell ringing at the start of the day. Officially, September 1st began to be celebrated as Knowledge Day in the USSR in 1984 when it was recognized as a national holiday, though still a working day (Russian-holidays, n.d.). In Germany, while the celebrations are not as grand, they have deeper roots and centuries-old traditions (Hardach, 2021). One thing to note is the role of the family on this day. In both cultures, older generations, whether parents or grandparents, are an integral part of the event. This is another symbol that speaks to the sense of connection and closeness between generations. On this day, the values of different generations meet in a positive way: the desire to grow older and more independent, along with the wish to impart knowledge and life principles to the child. Perhaps this is also reflected in the tradition where an older student carries a first-grader on their shoulder, symbolizing the connection between the beginning and the end of the long school journey, which spans 11 years. In Germany, parents typically give the first-grader a school cone and may organize a family lunch, whereas in Russia, both parents and grandparents attend the ceremonial events on September 1st. Following the school festivities, the family often treats the child to a real celebration, such as a trip to an amusement park, cinema, or café. In any case, this day will be memorable for everyone involved.

The traditions surrounding the start of the school year in different countries are a symbolic way of marking the beginning of a new phase in a child’s life. Despite some differences in approach, these traditions emphasize the importance of this transition, help strengthen intergenerational bonds, and foster a positive attitude toward learning, helping children to recognize the significance of their educational journey. Often passed down through generations, these traditions carry the warm breath of past efforts to preserve them. What may seem insignificant to people from other countries plays a big role for families who cherish these traditions and hold them in high regard. Every culture has something that is particularly meaningful to those who share it.

References:

Aloian, M. (2012). Cultural traditions in Russia. New York: Crabtree Publishing Company.

Geissler, G. (2005). The Interrelationship Between the State and the Local Community in the German School Tradition. European Education, vol. 37, no. 1, Spring 2005, pp. 62–82. https://research-ebsco-com.vwlmcproxy01.lwtech.edu/c/cpb25f/viewer/pdf/cwyf4g5z65?route=details

Hardach, S. (2021, September 5). Why Germans celebrate school with a cardboard cone. Www.bbc.com. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20211201-the-german-tradition-that-calms-school-anxiety

Hardyman, R. (2009). Germany. New York: Chelsea Clubhouse.

Russian-holidays. (n.d.). Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies. The Univestity of Kansas. https://crees.ku.edu/russian-holidays#:~:text=Knowledge%2520Day%2520%252F%2520%D0%94%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8C%2520%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9&text=It%2520has%2520been%2520celebrated%2520since%25201984.&text=Previously%252C%2520there%2520was%2520no%2520one,school%2520and%2520a%2520state%2520holiday

Russian president addresses students and teachers on knowledge day. (2015, September 02). BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1708778956?accountid=1553&parentSessionId=I%2BAn8hbUfByMVEvXxO4gIIQvmO97VUwVoxubUc1xkjw%3D&pq-origsite=primo&sourcetype=Wire%20Feeds&parentSessionId=Bu5mJYAc6xqCL%2FkQCyBnr0XZ%2BDdt3eO8OGbtrFF6ft0%3D

Schuetze, C. F. (2019, September 8). Before 1st Day of School, a Quiz on How to Use Your Giant Schoolbag. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/08/world/europe/germany-primary-school.html

The First Bell: The History of the School Bell. (2022, September 1). Dzen.ru. https://dzen.ru/a/YwNq_bOuaELgA0av

Vorobiova, A. (2023, August 28). The New Russian School. Verfassungsblog. https://doi.org/10.17176/20230828-182901-0