09 January 2025

Back to School Traditions Around the World

Submitted by: Rutendo Geraldine Mangwiro
Back to School Traditions Around the World

A Global Celebration of Education and New Beginnings

As the school bell rings each year, children, parents, and teachers worldwide embrace unique traditions to mark the start of the school year. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the remote communities of the North Pole, these back-to-school customs celebrate the joy of learning and the promise of a fresh start.

Traditions Around the World

  • Japan: Families visit Shinto shrines to pray for academic success, followed by ceremonies that set goals for the year ahead. Uniforms symbolise unity and discipline.
  • Finland: The "First Day Walk" sees children and parents stroll together to school, easing into routines with calmness and a traditional breakfast of rye bread, berries, and milk.
  • United States: Families enjoy the annual school supply shopping spree, gathering everything from notebooks to new outfits in preparation for the year.
  • Mexico: La Fiesta de Regreso a Clases combines music, games, and piñatas filled with school supplies, making the return to school a festive occasion.
  • Germany: First graders receive a Schultüte, a colourful cone filled with school supplies and treats, symbolising the excitement of starting school.
  • South Korea: Families host a baekban feast to support students as they prepare for the academic challenges ahead.
  • Turkey: Special ceremonies with speeches and performances mark the beginning of the school year, celebrating the joy of learning.
  • Italy: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception includes prayers and treats to encourage students for the school year.
  • Russia: The First Bell Ceremony on 1 September welcomes first graders with a symbolic bell ringing and celebration.
  • France: La Rentrée emphasises organisation and style, with elegant stationery and a renewed focus on learning.
  • North Pole: In icy regions, small communities celebrate the return to school with a cosy breakfast of hot chocolate and pancakes, paired with festive classroom decorations.

South Africa: A Focus on Growth and Empowerment

As South African schools reopen on 15 January, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani reflects on the excitement of new beginnings. CEO Theresa Michael shares, “Our goal is to reach and teach an additional 25,000 children, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive.”

COO Tessa Forman adds, “Every back-to-school tradition reminds us that learning is a journey, not a destination. Let’s celebrate the joy of learning and the possibilities this year holds.”


Press Release Submitted By

Organisation: Afrika Tikkun Bambanani
Contact Website: https://afrikatikkunbambanani.org/


Social Media Post

Back to School Traditions: A Global Celebration

Explore the unique and inspiring back-to-school traditions from around the world. Celebrate the joy of learning with Afrika Tikkun Bambanani as South Africa’s school year begins!

#BackToSchool #GlobalTraditions #AfrikaTikkunBambanani #EducationForAll #mypressportal #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica


Total Words: 447

Published in Science and Education