Russian children began a new school year with a ‘Day of Knowledge’

Music - "Uchat v shkole", Vladimir Shainskiy


The beginning of September is not just about the coming of autumn; for many, it means the start of a new school year. As August comes to a close, Russian schoolchildren return from holidays away at summer camps, dachas or their grandmothers’ homes in the countryside, and families set about preparing for the new academic year. By Sept. 1, children have to be ready to hit the ground running – pencils need to be sharpened, schoolbags purchased, and new school shoes polished.


On 1 September 1984, the Supreme Council of the USSR officially designated the first of September as the official ‘Day of Knowledge’. Like all holidays, this one has its own traditions. On this day, schools put on a special celebration to mark the start of the year – teachers and pupils assemble to listen to songs and poetry; congratulatory and inspirational speeches are given by the schools’ head teachers.


Related article: Russia celebrates ‘Day of Knowledge’

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