Now we move on to the main part of the episode, to our main topic.
September 1 — Knowledge DaySeptember 1 in Russia is a public holiday. It is called Knowledge Day. On this day, the new school year begins for schoolchildren, college students, and university students.
Interestingly, Knowledge Day did not appear immediately. In the Soviet Union, September 1 became the start of the school year only in 1935. And it was made an official holiday in 1984. Since then, this day has become a symbol of the beginning of a new stage in the lives of millions of children and their parents.
How September 1 goesThe morning of September 1 starts early. Schoolchildren put on their most festive clothes. For boys, this is a white shirt and dark trousers. For girls — a white apron or a white blouse (a shirt) and a dark skirt. This outfit is a tradition that has been preserved since Soviet times.
First-grade girls often braid their hair and tie large white bows. A bow is a wide ribbon that is tied in a special way on the hair of the head. Bows are worn by girls. Boys come in strict suits. Everyone looks festive and solemn.
A mandatory attribute of September 1 is flowers. Students give bouquets to their teachers. This is a symbol of gratitude and respect for those who teach and raise children.
School assemblyThe main event of the day is the school assembly. It takes place in the schoolyard. The Russian anthem is played. The school principal gives a speech, congratulating the students on the new school year. Then high school students perform. They read poems and wish the first-graders good luck.
Special attention is given to first-graders. They are coming to school for the first time. For them, this is the most important, most exciting, and most memorable day. They are escorted to the classroom, where they will sit at their first school desks. They need to learn to sit at a desk for a long time and listen carefully to the teacher.
The first bellThe most touching moment of the assembly is the first bell. A high school student, usually an eleventh-grader, puts a first-grade girl on his shoulder. She holds a bell in her hand and rings it. The bell is usually in the shape of a small cone or cup, with a clapper (a metal rod) inside that strikes the walls. When the bell is shaken, it makes a sound. In simple words: it is a small ringing object that is usually held in the hand and shaken to ring. It has a pleasant, clear sound. This ringing marks the beginning of the school year.
After the assembly, students go to their classrooms. For first-graders, the first lesson is held — the "Peace Lesson." They meet their first teacher, learn the rules of behavior at school, and sit at their new desks. Already the next day, students will fill their backpacks or briefcases with textbooks and notebooks.
The whole country celebratesSeptember 1 is a holiday not only for schoolchildren but also for their parents. Many parents take a day off from work to see their children off to school. A day off is a one-day vacation. For them, this day is a mix of joy and sadness. Joy because the children are growing and learning. Sadness because summer is over and the daily routine has begun.
For many families, September 1 is a tradition: seeing the children off together, taking photos in front of the school, and wishing each other good luck in the new school year.
Vocational schools, colleges, and institutesSeptember 1 is the start of the school year not only for schools. On this day, classes begin in colleges, technical schools, and higher education institutions. For students, this day is also special. They meet their classmates and learn the class schedule.
In universities, ceremonial meetings are usually held on September 1. First-year students are congratulated on their admission, wished success, and given their student IDs.
Personal storyThis year, September 1 is also an important day for our family. I have two sons. One of them will continue to conquer the heights of the institute. He is already a student, and for him, this is a new academic year, new subjects, and new friends.
And my second son continues his studies at school.
Our family has a tradition. Every year on August 31, we set a festive table and celebrate the end of summer. We gather together, make toasts, and wish each other that our studies go well, that it is easy and interesting. This is our family ritual that helps us get into the mood for the new school year.
ConclusionToday we learned:
- That September 1 in Russia is Knowledge Day.
- How the school assembly goes.
- Why this day is important for schoolchildren, students, and their parents.
- How children dress on this day.
- What the first bell is.
Friends, this is the main text of today's episode. Let's repeat the vocabulary words: ruler (assembly), first-grader, school desk, backpack, briefcase.