Knowledge Day

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Knowledge Day (День Знаний), often called just 1st of September is the day when the school year traditionally starts in Russia and many other former USSR republics. It has special significance for the incoming class of 1st graders who come to school for the first time and often participate in a celebratory assembly on this date. Students in other grades may begin studies on 1st of September or a few days later, usually without any special festivities.

1st of September has iconic cultural status in the Russian-speaking world and is immediately recognized there primarily in connection with beginning of the school year. For instance, a well-known rhymed slogan is 1st of September is the red day in the calendar ("red" meaning special, первое сентября - красный день календаря)