National Centre RUSSIA congratulates you on Knowledge Day
On 1 September, Russia celebrates Knowledge Day, a holiday
that unites people of different ages.
For first-graders, it is the first time they enter school,
the first ringing of a school bell, and a step into a new world. For high
schoolers and students, this is the beginning of an important period of their
life when they have to make a choice and decide on the future. For parents and
educators, it is a reminder of the role that education plays in the lives of
children and society. For the whole country, this day symbolizes a look into
the future, which is being built by people’s common efforts.
School is a place where personality is formed,
responsibility is fostered, talents are discovered and dreams are born. A child
learns to respect what has been done by others, to be proud of his country, to
understand its past, and to believe in its future. School becomes a place where
the first friendship starts, mentors appear, and a desire to learn new things
is born.
Each new academic year is an important contribution to the
future of Russia, where knowledge, work and talent unite people and make the
country stronger.
About the Day of Knowledge
A tradition of starting the school year on 1 September came
to Russia in the 15th century from Byzantium. Following the decree of Peter the
Great in 1700, the New Year celebrations were determined to start on 1 January,
but for quite a while, the educational institutions had no single date for
starting classes, and schools opened at different times. In the USSR before the
1930s, there was no precise date for the beginning of the school year, as well.
The situation changed under the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars
which was approved on 14 August 1930: all children aged 8-10 had to go to
school in the autumn.
Officially, Knowledge Day was established on 1 September
1984 by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR as a national
holiday.
Today, on 1 September, first-graders are especially warmly
welcomed. A first school bell rings at the assemblies of school children and
the teaching staff, the Russian flag is raised, the national anthem is sung,
congratulations and words of wisdom are said. It still goes as a school
tradition when a high schooler carries on his shoulder a first-grader girl with
a bell in her hand.
During the all-Russian survey "What does the Motherland begin with?", people across the country are answering this question in their own way, opening up the innermost corners of their souls.
Souvenir nevalyashkas (traditional Russian roly-poly dolls), are attracting particular attention, with guests choosing them for their harmonious combination of Russian colour and traditional Chinese symbols.
Under the guidance of artisans, each guest made an unusual souvenir that can become either a personal talisman or a gift with a special story.
