Regardless of the country that you are from, the first day of school is something very special that most people will remember. Most children get into school between the ages of 5 and 7. And on this day, which is once in a lifetime, almost all children are very excited but sometimes also a little afraid of what to expect from this new chapter in life.
Since every culture is different and has different traditions and customs, the first day of school is celebrated differently around the world.
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, children start their educational journey on Tyl Ashar, which means “Initiation into Education”. Also, every child from each class hands their teacher a flower, and all the flowers get gathered into a big bouquet. The children usually receive some gifts from their parents, for example, sweets, pencils, or candles. The ceremony is also meant to give the children some opportunities to find new friends and get to know each other.
Japan
The first school day in Japan is already in April, and it is very important in this land’s culture.
Japanese kids start their first day of first class with a brand new randoseru, a quite stiff backpack that is supposed to last for the whole school career, but it also has an educational background. Through this rather expensive gift, they will learn the value of possessions. Moreover, they also eat a special meal on their special day, which consists of seaweed sauce and quail eggs. This food combination is supposed to bring luck to them throughout their whole first year of school.
Saudi Arabia
Many schools in Saudi Arabia do not have only one first day of school, but three. These days are used by the children so that they get to know each other. The teachers do not start with the lessons yet, but instead they provide them with food and come up with activities so it is easier for them to adapt to their new surroundings.
Italy
First graders in Italy traditionally wear a uniform that resembles a smock on their first day of school. On these, they wear ribbons in different colors, and the color shows which year of school they are in.
Indonesia
On the first day of school in Indonesia, community and getting to know each other are top priorities. They get separated into different groups, do bonding activities together, and get supported by teachers or older students during this.
India
Admission day is the first day of school for the new students in India. On this special day, students get little presents, which normally include an umbrella. This seems a little weird to some people, but it actually has a very useful background. School starts around May or June, which is typically the start of the monsoon season.
Germany
In Germany, it is common for pupils on the first day of school to receive a “Schultüte”. The “Schultüte” is a cone made of robust cardboard paper, which can be literally translated to “school bags”. It is filled with sweets, supplies for school, or little presents. You can buy the “Schultüte” in German stores, but most parents prefer to design it themselves and get creative in order to create a customized cone.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, parents drive their children to school by bike in a big basket or box. With this method, they are supposed to look forward to their future schooling.
To conclude, every country has its own unique traditions and customs that make it easier for children in the first grade to adjust to something that plays a big part in their future lives.
Sources:
https://blog.keepcalling.com/news/first-day-of-school-traditions-around-the-world/
https://www.sweetescape.com/en/blog/ideas/first-day-of-school-traditions-around-the-globe