Knowledge Day in Russia, September 1

September 1st, which is also known as Knowledge Day, is traditionally the first day of school in Russia and other countries in the former Soviet Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan). This day marks the end of summer and ceremoniously welcomes the beginning of autumn and the start of a new academic year. This day has special significance for the first graders who come to school for the first time.

Students and their families typically attend a public welcoming assembly on Knowledge Day as they celebrate the start of a new school year. It’s traditional for many students to wear their best clothing and it is customary to give flowers to teachers on the first day of school. You will see lots of kids carrying large bouquets of flowers to school. The first day at school is emotional, exciting, and stressful for the newcomers.

Of course, we are particularly interested in the flower aspect of this tradition. Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, is also a tradition that came out of Russia. In addition to Woman’s Day, we are now hearing about this Day of Knowledge. We checked with several of our flower sources in Russia, and we learned that this special day increases the flower consumption by approximately 30%. About half of these flowers are Roses, and the other 50% consists of Pompons, Carnations, Gerberas, and locally produced flowers. There are no specific color requirements.

Currently, this is the third largest flower “holiday” in the country. Women’s Day remains the largest flower holiday by far; second place is Valentine’s Day. Knowledge Day occupies the third place so this September 1 is quite significant for the flower industry as a whole.

Please enjoy the pictures below, showing how Russian kids are getting ready to spoil their teacher with a sea of flowers!

There has been a movement in recent years getting Woman’s Day recognized in the United States – and around the world. Could we see this flower tradition transition to the United States as well?

NOVOKUZNETSK KEMEROVO REGION RUSSIA – SEP 1 2017: Meeting with the first-grade pupils and teacher at the schoolyard. The day of knowledge in Russia.

SEP 1 2018: Pupils with their flowers for the teacher at the schoolyard. The day of knowledge in Russia.