Many students around the United States are getting ready for their first day of school in August or September. Many families have traditions to start the school year. Some families take a first-day-of-school picture each year. Others have a special breakfast before school.
Around the world, students also prepare for the first day of school. Many different countries have special traditions to celebrate the beginning of a new school year. Here are some examples!
In Japan, new elementary school students receive a randoseru. A randoseru is a stiff leather backpack. It is built to be very sturdy because it is meant to be used during a student’s first six years of school. Randoseru are practical too. If a student falls backwards, the backpack acts as a cushion. In case of an emergency such as a flood, students can use their randoseru as a flotation device.
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Students in India often use umbrellas while they walk to school in the rain.
In India, the first day of school is a celebration known as Admission Day. Schools welcome students back with drumbeats, dances, poetry, and activities such as decorating the school. Students also receive special gifts. Because of India’s rainy climate, umbrellas are a very popular gift.
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A German student holds her school cone.
Like American schools, German schools begin their school year after a long summer holiday. To help them transition back to serious schoolwork, German families have a tradition of “sweetening” the deal. They gift students a large cone filled with candy, chocolates, and small toys. Students decorate their cones and bring them to the first day of school. But they do not open them until they come home.
What Do You Think? Do you have any special traditions for the first day of school? If so, what are they? If not, can you think of any traditions you would like to start?
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