Children, parents and teachers have been preparing for the new school year – an occasion marked by various traditions around the world. Picture: Supplied.
The ringing of school bells and the rush to buy uniforms and stationery herald the opening of South Africa’s schools, but did you know that different cultures have their own fun and unique back-to-school traditions? From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet villages in the North Pole, here’s a look at how kids in various countries welcome the new school year.
Japan: A New Year’s resolution for school
In Japan, the school year begins in April, but the back-to-school excitement is similar to what kids feel as the new year starts. Before pupils head to class, many families make sure to visit a Shinto shrine to pray for their child’s academic success. After the visit, children often celebrate with a seijin shiki, a formal ceremony that marks their entrance into a new chapter of life.
This special time is about reflection, determination, and setting goals for the year ahead. The back-to-school uniform is also a major tradition, with schools requiring specific attire that helps maintain discipline and unity among students.
Finland: The cosy start
Known for its stellar education system, Finland does back-to-school in a refreshingly relaxed and cosy way.
The school year begins in mid-August, but before kids rush off to their first day, they often participate in a “first day walk”. Children and their parents walk together to school, chatting and enjoying the calm Finnish countryside, easing into the school rhythm after the summer break. And, unlike the formal traditions of other countries, Finnish pupils get a leisurely breakfast before school — usually featuring rye bread, berries, and milk — ensuring they start the day with a full stomach and a calm mind.
America: The classic school supplies hunt
In America, a significant back-to-school tradition is the school-supply shopping spree. It’s a cherished part of getting ready for the first day of school, where kids and parents go hunting for new notebooks, pencils, erasers, and the all-important backpack.
Many children also enjoy getting their “first-day-of-school” outfit, while the excitement of new school clothes can rival the anticipation of the classroom itself. For families, it’s often a fun yet chaotic day of gathering everything from the latest tech to fresh stationery, all to ensure students are prepared for the year ahead.
Mexico: La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases
In Mexico, the return to school is marked with a vibrant celebration known as La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases, or the Back to School Party. This isn’t just any party; it’s a time for kids to celebrate with their classmates and teachers, reconnecting after the long summer break.
It often involves music, games, and even piñatas, which are filled with school supplies instead of sweets. It's a fun way for kids to ease into the new year, with a festive twist that keeps the excitement alive.
Germany: The exciting ‘schultüte’
One of the most delightful back-to-school traditions takes place in Germany, where children starting their first year of school are given a schultüte, a giant cone filled with goodies, school supplies, and little toys. This colourful, decorated cone is given by parents, godparents, or grandparents to the child as a way to make their first day of school extra special.
The schultüte tradition symbolises the excitement of starting school, with a dash of sweetness to make the transition from home to school even more enjoyable.
South Korea: The ‘back to school’ feast
South Korea has a tradition where the first day of school is celebrated with a big family feast. Families gather together to have a baekban meal, which consists of a large variety of dishes, and students are encouraged to eat heartily in preparation for the academic challenges ahead.
It’s a time for families to show their support and encourage their children to do their best in the upcoming school year.
Türkiye: A big celebration of knowledge
In Türkiye, back-to-school celebrations are all about the joy of learning. As kids return to school in September, there’s a special ceremony where the first graders receive their school books, symbolising the start of their educational journey.
The ceremony often includes speeches by teachers, performances by the pupils and plenty of cheers and applause. It's a grand celebration of knowledge, making kids feel proud and excited for the year ahead.
Italy: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
In Italy, students head back to school in early September, but the back-to-school tradition includes a religious element. On December 8, many families celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception by attending church services and making special preparations for the return to school. Children often receive gifts or special treats during this time, symbolising good luck and encouragement for the school year ahead.
This feast creates a moment of joy and reflection before the academic year kicks off.
Russia: First Bell Ceremony
In Russia, the back-to-school season kicks off on September 1 with the highly anticipated First Bell Ceremony. Children, especially first-graders, wear their best school uniforms and are greeted by teachers, parents, and older students. The day is marked by a special bell ringing ceremony, where the first-graders are “officially” welcomed into the school community.
It’s a day filled with joy and excitement as families gather to celebrate the new school year and the new beginnings it brings.
France: Back to the blackboards
In France, the first day of school is called La Rentrée. It’s serious business. Pupils return to school armed with their finest notebooks because in France, stationery is an art form. Forget plain spiral notebooks, we’re talking about elegant grids, precise margins, and fountain pens. Très chic.
North Pole: A magical start to the year
Santa has gone back into hiding and while it may sound a bit far-fetched, kids living at the North Pole, mostly in research stations and tiny communities, have their own unique back-to-school traditions.
Since the region is mostly ice and snow, the start of school comes with a different kind of preparation. With limited daylight during winter months, children in these remote areas celebrate the first day of school by creating festive decorations for their small classrooms. It’s common for parents and teachers to hold a “first day of winter learning” event where the kids set personal learning goals and enjoy a cosy breakfast of hot chocolate, pancakes, and local specialties.
This tiny but tight-knit community makes the first day of school an extra special occasion, where warmth, light, and togetherness are celebrated.