Noteworthy facts about September 1^st

Originally, September 1^st was widely celebrated by various cultures as a harvest festival. In our country, during the reign of Peter the Great, it was traditionally observed as New Year's Day. However, the celebration of the New Year was later shifted to January 1^st, following the European model.

Today, September 1^st is recognized as a national holiday known as “Knowledge Day.” This observance was officially established in the USSR in 1984. Prior to being designated as a public holiday, September 1^st was simply the first day of the school year, though it typically began with a ceremonial assembly.

The earliest schools were affiliated with churches, and thus, the academic year began on the church's New Year—September 1^st. The exact origin of the tradition of starting the school year on this date is unclear, as many historians believe that the Church in Russia began celebrating the New Year in September long before the decree issued by Ivan III.

On September 1^st, not only was the New Year celebrated and the academic year commenced, but taxes were also collected. Additionally, if the Tsar's heir had reached the age of 14 (the age of majority according to Old Russian tradition) in the previous year, he was formally presented to the public on this day. September 1^st was also known as the Day of Semyon, in honor of St. Simeon the Stylite. In celebration, deciduous trees were placed in homes and public squares, adorned with ribbons, candles, and beads.

September 1^st - Knowledge Day! In 1984, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established a new holiday, Knowledge Day, which quickly became a cherished occasion, especially for first-graders, as it marks the start of the academic year.

But how is it observed in other countries?

While September 1^st is recognized internationally as Knowledge Day, the tradition of beginning the school year on this date is not universal. In Japan, for instance, the academic year starts in April and concludes in March of the following year. In the United States, there is no nationally set date for the commencement of the school year; instead, each educational district determines its own schedule. Consequently, American students start their school year on varying dates—some as early as late July, others in August or September. In Australia, the academic year begins in February, while in Germany, it typically starts in mid-October.

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translated Ismoilov R.