Schultuete - A German Tradition

Momo Vera- Steffen started on Monday. Momo's mum is from Germany, and his dad is from Chile. He can speak 3 languages. Momo had a great first day at school. After school, his mum Silke presented him with a Schultuete.

Momo was excited to see what was in his special school cone.

 

Here is Momo with his mum Silke and his big brother Lani.
They are holding their special Schultuete or "school cone".

Silke has written a little story to explain this tradition... 

"When children in Germany set off for their first day of school they are given a "Schultuete" (School Cone) by their parents, a big cardboard cone, decorated and filled with school supplies, like special pens, rulers, rubbers etc., chocolates, lollies, small toys and little presents.The parents can buy the "Schultueten", make them themselves and sometimes they are made by the children in their last days of kindergarten.

It is a very big tradition in Germany, all the children start school at the same day after the big summer holidays, so every child brings their "Schutuete" to this first day of school and is allowed to open it once back home after school. Often siblings get a smaller version, so they don't get too jealous.

It is said that with the first day of school the serious side of life begins, children leave the familiar surroundings and often have to orient themselves in a new social environment. 

It is supposed to make this anxiously awaited first day of school a little bit sweeter.

The tradition goes back to the 19th century. In some areas the children were told that there was a Schultuetenbaum (school cone tree) growing at the school and if the fruits (the Schultueten) are ripe and big enough to pick, it's time to go to school for the first time."

Thank you for sharing your tradition with us Momo and Silke.

Josephine Lambert began in Room 8 in Week 6 of Term 3. Her mum Veronika is from Germany.

Here is Josephine after her first day at school receiving her Schultueten. 

Welcome to Wainui Beach School Josephine!

We love learning about traditions.