Back to School Traditions Around the World

BY DAKALO NEKHUMBE
Jan 22
4 min read

January signals the beginning of a new school year, not only for children, but for teachers who prepare lessons and for parents who help prepare their children with the necessary school supplies before the school calendar begins.

Schools reopened on the 15th of January in South Africa (SA), but whether you find yourself beginning your school year in Sa or still have months before your school reopens, we hope that the excitement of new beginnings makes the first day back super special. “As we begin another school year, it's about more than just lessons—it's about shaping futures. At Bambanani, our goal is to reach and teach an additional 25,000 children, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive in life and learning.”– Theresa Michael CEO Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

You may be interested to know that different cultures have their own distinct back-to-school traditions. Here’s a look at how different countries welcome the new school year:

1. Japan: A New Year’s Resolution

The school year begins in April, but before children can go to class, many families visit the Shinto shrine to pray for their child’s academic success. After this, they celebrate with a formal ceremony called the seijin shiki. This ceremony celebrates the entrance into the child’s new chapter in their life. They use this time to reflect, determine and set goals for the year ahead. The back-to-school uniform is also an important aspect as it helps maintain discipline and unity among students.

2. Finland: The Cosy Start

The Finnish school year begins in August, but not before they participate in a “First Day Walk”. This sweet tradition is one where children and their parents walk together to school, talking and delighting in the countryside, settling into the school pace after the summer break. Unlike other countries with formal traditions, Finnish students get to enjoy breakfast before school - commonly featuring rye bread, berries, milk, ensuring they begin their day well and are able to concentrate in school.

3. United States: The Classic School Supplies Hunt

The United States has a more frantic tradition of searching for school supplies as the school dates near the opening date. Kids and parents search for new notebooks, pencils, erasers, and the most important item on this list is the backpack. Excited children enjoy readying their ‘first-day-of-school’ outfit. Outfit preparations seem to overshadow their bread, berries, ande anticipation of going to the classroom itself. For families, the supply hunt is often a fun way to support and prepare their children for the school year ahead.

4. México: La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases

Mexico welcomes the children’s return to school with a lively celebration known as La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases, or in English, ‘Back to School Party’. This party celebrates children and teachers going back to school, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with other children and the teachers they have not seen after the lengthy summer break. The party includes music, games, and piñatas, with a twist, instead of being filled with sweets, they are filled with school supplies, encouraging an excitement to go back to learning.

5. Germany: The fascinating Schultüte

One of the most endearing back-to-school traditions to exist is found in Germany, where young children who are embarking on their first school year are given a Schultüte. A Schultüte is a giant cone filled with goodies, school supplies and little toys. The vibrant lyrics and decorated cones are given to children by their parents, godparents or grandparents to make their first school day feel extra special. The Schultüte shows an excitement for beginning school, the goodies aid in making the transition enjoyable.

6. South Korea: Special Back to School Feast.

South Korea celebrates back to school with a feast. Families join together to enjoy a baekban meal, which includes a large variety of dishes. It is used to encourage students to eat eagerly in preparation for the academic challenges they will face. Families display their support to their children and encourage them to do well in school.

7. Turkey: A Grand Celebration Of Knowledge

Before children return to school in September, they first have a special ceremony for first graders. During this ceremony children are given school books, symbolising their entrance into what will be a very big part of their lives. The wholesome ceremony includes speeches from teachers, performances from students and plenty of cheers. This ceremony encourages first graders to love learning.

8. Italy: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Students return to school in early September so that on the 8th of December families are able to celebrate the feast of immaculate conception by attending church services and make preparations for the return to school. Children will receive gifts that symbolise good luck and encouragement for the school year.

9. Russia: First Bell Ceremony

On the 1st of September eager children wearing their best school uniforms prepare themselves for the first bell ceremony. The first bell ceremony is a ceremony where the bell is rung to welcome first graders into school. Families join to celebrate the new beginnings the school year affords them.

10. France: Back to Blackboards

The first day of school is called La Rentrée. With France being a country that’s synonymous with art, it only follows that preparing for school is a means of artistic expression. From notebooks with elegant grids, precise margins, and fountain pens, the school stationary is très chic!

11. North Pole: A Captivating Start to the Year

The icy North Pole with a small population has its own distinct back to school traditions. With limited sunlight during winter months, children in remote areas celebrate the first day by creating festive decorations for their small classrooms. Teachers and parents have a “first day of winter learning” tradition where children set their own learning goals and enjoy a homely breakfast of hot chocolate, pancakes and local specialties. This small community fills an otherwise cold season with warmth through their tradition where oneness is celebrated.

“Every back-to-school tradition is a reminder that learning is a journey, not a destination. Let’s celebrate the joy of learning and all the possibilities this year holds.” – Tessa Forman COO Afrika Tikkun Bambanani