If your birthday falls on Knowledge Day does that mean you have extra knowledge?
- madisonunderwood93
- Sep 18, 2017
- 1 min read
My birthday was September 1st, which was also the first day of school, Knowledge Day, and the first bell ceremony. Knowledge Day started during the time of the USSR back in the ‘80s. It has a special importance for the incoming class of first graders, who are starting school for the first time, as well as the senior students (11th graders) who are starting school for the final time.
All of the students dress up in traditional school clothing and there are different performances. The senior students hold hands with the new first graders and walk them around our basketball court. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when a senior boy held a first grade girl on his shoulder and she rang the bell while walking around the court.
It was also my birthday, the director of my school pulled me out in front of everyone (900 students plus their parents and grandparents and local media) and wished me kind words. Then several of the English teachers also came out and wished me a year of health, happiness, and wealth as well as presenting me with some adorable plush Ukrainian dolls and a бусы (a traditional beaded necklace – also known as намисто in Ukrainian). I was given a bunch of flowers from students and I felt so loved and appreciated.
I spent the evening with friends from my oblast and had a champagne and French toast (with syrup!! Thank you Aunt Les) breakfast the next morning. It was a great birthday weekend and a great start to this school year.
