Schultuten

First grade is the beginning of formal education in Germany, and to mark the milestone, parents give their children candy and school supplies in a Schultute (colorful paper cone) or "school bag". The gift symbolizes a "sweet" transition into school.

This tradition came about in the early 19th century, when kids were told that a Schultute tree grew in their teacher's house, and that it grew a Schultute for each child. When the cones reached their full size, it was time to start school!

Now, the kids often create their own Schultuten as a project at the end of kindergarten, and parents still fill it with pencils, crayons, toys, chocolates, etc.

My husband's Grandmother is very German, so considering that Kalia has some German in her blood, I thought this might be a fun little tradition to begin for the first day of school. She won't be starting first grade yet (thank goodness!), but who says you can't start the tradition in Pre-Kindergarten?? She goes back on Wednesday, so I had better get busy!

Image & Info: Wondertime September 2008 / Amy Kaldor-Bull