Knowledge Day
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Where is Knowledge Day celebrated?
It is celebrated in Russia and other eastern countries.
Who is Knowledge Day celebrated by?
The day is primarily celebrated by students, but parents also grab a piece of the pie by taking a day off from their work.
When did Knowledge Day first start?
Knowledge Day has its unofficial roots in the early days of the Soviet regime. However, its celebration came to be formally recognized on June 15, 1984.
Who started Knowledge Day?
Observance of Knowledge Day was sanctioned by an order issued by the Presidium of the Soviet Union on June 15, 1984.
History And Timeline
Here is a brief history behind the creation of this event!
Lack Of Unanimity
In Tsarist Russia, schools and gymnasiums lacked unison as to when to reopen their premises following the summer break, and as such, there wasn't any specific date to mark the commencement of a new academic year.
Pre '30sLegitimizing Basic Primary Education
By a decree issued on August 14, 1930, the Soviet government advanced its charge to recognize primary education as a basic right of every child between 8-10 years of age.
August 14, 1930Reopening Of Russian Institutions
All schools across the country were brought under the ambit of Knowledge Day by 1935, marking September 1 as the date to commence a new academic year.
1935A Public Holiday
Even though September 1 is a workday in Russia, Knowledge Day came to be given the status of a public holiday by 1980.
1980Formal Recognition Of Knowledge Day
Observance of Knowledge Day was sanctioned by an order issued by the Presidium of the Soviet Union on June 15, 1984.
June 15, 1984Traditions And Customs
On September 1, children congregate on the school ground with their parents for an outside morning assembly. The first under the list of events is an invigorating speech delivered by the headmaster or headmistress.
This is followed by the First Bell ceremony. It is an exciting event for all students and, more so, for the eagerly anticipating freshers and senior students in their final school year.
The First Bell ceremony involves a unique rite of passage where a final school year student would carry a fresher schoolgirl from the first year to ring a small bell, symbolizing the beginning of the first lesson of the new school year for all Russian students.
Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Knowledge Day
Traditionally, boys wear white shirts, and girls are required to wear an apron and bows on September 1. Apart from dressing up, students show appreciation for their teachers and engage in flower-giving.
Photo sessions are an integral part of the occasion, and children, either with their parents, teachers, or friends, join in to capture the best moments.
Facts And Stats
- Although September 1 marks the official commencement of academic sessions and Knowledge Day in Russia, normal lessons do not begin before September 2.
- The holiday on September 1 coincides with a tragic event, where a terrorist attack resulted in the loss of 314 lives in a Russian school, most of them being kids. To commemorate the victims, September 3 is celebrated as Memorial Day in Russia.
- Bogdanov-Belsky's works accurately depicted the Russian ethos during the celebration of Knowledge Day in the painting, 'At The Door of the School'.
What happens on Knowledge Day?
September 1 symbolizes the beginning of a new academic year for Russian school students and marks the end of three-month-long summer holidays as children pack their bags to return to school.
Who encouraged the celebration of Knowledge Day?
The creation of Knowledge Day was advanced by the former Soviet regime.
What is the motto of Knowledge Day?
The thirst for literacy is embedded in Russian culture, and as such, September 1 is celebrated with the objective of cultivating the values of education.
How do families celebrate Knowledge Day?
Parents encourage the observance of this occasion and accompany their kids to school to take part in the celebration.
What do Russians say about Knowledge Day?
Since Knowledge Day symbolizes the Russian students' reconciliation with the rhythm of school life following the three-month summer holidays, the day has a special cultural significance in Russian hearts.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Monday, August 31, 2020
- Tuesday, August 31, 2021
- Wednesday, August 31, 2022
- Thursday, August 31, 2023
- Saturday, August 31, 2024
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