Knowledge Day

In Russia, knowledge day is the day that school year typically starts, and is normally on September 1st. Knowledge day originated within the USSR on June 15, 1984 by the order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. This day also marks the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn. For many 1st graders, this day is a celebration as it is their first school day ever, and their first knowledge day. For them, there is a celebratory assembly and experience the tradition of the first bell, where an incoming 1st grade girl is lifted onto the shoulders of an 11th grade male student, and paraded around while ringing a bell to mark the beginning of the school year. In smaller villages or towns, students may dress up to go to school and arrive with flowers. Senior officials of the schools welcome the incoming students, and senior students write and perform poetry or songs. Older students are encouraged to assist the younger students, especially new students, to their classes and encourage them along the way. The older students may sometimes tell the younger students the saying "Азбука – наука, а ребятам бука" which translates to Alphabet is a science, but it's a boogeyman for children.