First Day of School Celebrations Around the World
By Allyson Apsey, Creative Leadership Solutions
“There’s something truly beautiful about the way we rally around our children and each other as a new school year begins.”
The beginning of a new school year is upon us. In the United States, that means backpacks proudly slung over shoulders, fresh notebooks stacked in shopping carts, and store aisles buzzing with families checking off supply lists. For some, the return of school supplies right after the Fourth of July feels like a rude interruption and a reminder that summer’s freedom is slipping away too soon. They grumble at the rows of crayons and lunchboxes, determined to stay in flip-flop mode just a little longer. And honestly? I get it.
But for others, there's something oddly joyful about the ritual of back-to-school prep. It softens the sting of summer’s end and gives kids (and adults) something to look forward to. A brand-new pair of sneakers somehow makes up for the loss of lazy mornings and backyard adventures… at least a little, right?
As a lifelong educator and a fan of all things hopeful, I’ve always been drawn to the energy of the first day of school. But when I learned about Germany’s tradition of the Schultüte, a beautifully decorated cone filled with treats and small gifts given to celebrate the big day, I was completely enchanted. It’s like blending the excitement of the holidays with the promise of a new beginning. And what a powerful message to send to children: that learning is a gift worth celebrating.
Naturally, that got me wondering… what other beautiful, meaningful, or downright fun back-to-school traditions are unfolding around the world? What can we learn from these traditions
about education, and about the ways families and communities come together to support children through change and growth? Let’s take a little trip around the globe and find out.
Germany- Schultüte (school cone)
Think of an Easter basket or holiday stocking, but even more magical; the Schultüte is a beautifully decorated cone brimming with candies, tiny treasures, and colorful school supplies. Wrapped in love and bright paper, it's a heartfelt tradition that transforms first-day jitters into joy. Cheerful and brightly decorated, these cones are filled with sweets and school supplies, but their true significance runs much deeper. They hold the hopes, love, and encouragement of a family cheering on their child. As little ones take their first brave steps into the world of school, leaving behind the comfort of home, the Schultüte becomes a tangible reminder that they are not alone. The tradition dates back to the early 1800s in Germany, when parents believed that a sweet surprise would ease the transition into school life. Over time, it became a cherished rite of passage. Today, it’s a joyful send-off, filled with wonder and warmth, marking the beginning of a journey where learning and growing are celebrated from day one.1
Russia- Den' znaniy (The Day of Knowledge)
Russia proudly kicks off every school year with The Day of Knowledge, a national celebration that honors students, teachers, and the power of learning. It is also called 1 September, because school starts on the first of September, or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend. It marks the official start of the school year with joy, ceremony, and deep cultural pride. Students dress in their best, carrying flower bouquets to honor their teachers, and schools across the country come alive with music, speeches, and tradition. First graders are the stars of the day, often lifted onto the shoulders of older students to ring the symbolic “first bell” to signify their entrance into the world of learning. This heartfelt celebration reflects a deep respect for education and their shared belief that learning shapes the future.2
Japan- The Tradition of the Randoseru
In Japan, the start of elementary school is celebrated with sharpened pencils, fresh routines, and the deeply meaningful tradition of receiving a randoseru. This sturdy, structured backpack isn’t just for carrying books; it’s a symbol of a child’s journey into learning, independence, and possibility. Families, especially proud grandparents, gift a randoseru to their first grader with the hope that it will carry them through all six years of elementary school. Originally a gift reserved for the children of elite families in the late 1800s, the tradition grew after World War II, when companies began giving these beautiful bags to the children of their employees. Today, they come in a variety of colors other than the symbolic black for boys and red for girls, but the heart of the tradition remains the same. A randoseru is a promise that a child is ready, that their community believes in them, and that learning is a journey worth celebrating from the very first step.3
While the traditions may look different around the world with colorful cones in Germany, bell-ringing ceremonies in Russia, and beautifully crafted backpacks in Japan, they all carry the same message: You are loved. You are ready. And this journey matters.
In the United States, back-to-school season is filled with its own kind of magic. We mark the moment with first-day photos on the porch, crisp notebooks and backpacks, sticky notes tucked lovingly into lunchboxes, and teachers who greet each child with hearts wide open. These everyday rituals are rooted in love, hope, and the belief that each new year is a fresh opportunity for learning, for growth, and for connection. There’s something truly beautiful about the way we rally around our children and each other as a new school year begins.
As I think back on my own first days both as a student and as an educator, I can still feel the butterflies and the buzz. There’s a sacred energy that comes with new beginnings. And maybe that’s the real tradition we all share across the world: the belief that each new year brings with it the hope of something wonderful.
Here’s to the start of something special. To the sneakers that squeak down polished hallways, to the brave little ones (and the grown-ups) stepping into the unknown. May we always find ways to celebrate the start, together.
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1 Colegio Internacional de Granada. (2024, October 3). The magic of the Schultüte at CIG. https://www.colegioig.com/en/2024/10/03/the-magic-of-the-schultute-at-cig/
2 Izba Arts. (n.d.). Day of Knowledge in Russia. https://www.izbaarts.com/day-of-knowledge-in-russia/
3 IndyKids. (n.d.). Randoseru: More than just a bag. https://indykids.org/randoseru-more-than-just-a-bag/
About the author: Allyson Apsey is an educational researcher, author, and speaker who has served as a teacher and school leader at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. As the Director of Client Relations with Creative Leadership Solutions, she partners with educators across the country to design professional learning that transforms teaching, learning, and leadership. Passionate about joyful schools and purposeful change, Allyson helps bring research to life in classrooms and communities.