You would be forgiven for thinking that the Play Mobil People above are wielding over-sized (and slightly garish) golfing umbrellas – as I did at first. I thought they were actually holding oddly shaped golfing umbrellas right up until our first August here, when cardboard cones in various patterns and sizes started appearing in the shops. But, they are in fact clasping Schultüten – traditionally given to children on their very first day at “big” school (at the age of six here in Bavaria, and in the rest of Germany and in Austria too!)…
Designed to sweeten the blow that the majority of their little lives will now mostly be about full-time education, these cones usually contain sweets, pencils and other treats and toys to wish them well on their first day.
And today, on the first day back at school (where did that summer holiday go?) having left the heady days of Kindergarten behind him (*sniff* (that’s me weeping)), this afternoon The Six Year Old will be presented with his very own schultüte as he begins First Grade. Although he’s quite indifferent about the prospect (probably due to the fact that it’s highly unlikely to contain anything “Star Wars”!) his big sister is incredibly jealous… Having just moved from Denmark, she didn’t start First Grade until part the way through the term, and with a Mother who then hadn’t a clue that the things even existed, she feels quite aggrieved about the fact that she missed out on the whole Schultüte thing…
If you fancy making one in time for the start back at school for the Small Person in your life, then have a gander at this tutorial from the uber talented Red Ted Art… I will admit to cheating with this particular specimen (well we can buy them here!)I just covered up the pink and sickly ponies with something a bit more tasteful, and Small Girl’s slightly belated version is waiting for her to get home…
Emma says
I hope the first week went well. The shultute is such a good idea. I might have to make one for S. x
bavaria says
It went really well thank you! (: xx
Funky Wellies says
How did the first day go? Funny, I wrote a post about the Schultüte too and I did not know it existed either! Second Daughter loved her first day and still has her Schultüte. xx
bavaria says
I love this tradition, so nice isn’t it? It went well thank you (although he has already been at kindergarten for a couple of years here, it still felt like a milestone!) :D xx
Susanna says
I love this! What a nice tradition. I wonder if any other country does this. X
bavaria says
Thanks Susanna… I think that Austria do as well. I think it’s really sweet too! :) x
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
What a lovely way to start ‘proper’ school! I hope your daughter was pleased with her belated one.
bavaria says
She was thanks Trish! Glad I remembered! :D
older mum in a muddle says
What a lovely tradition! Will make one of those for Little A next year when she starts reception :o).
Ps. I am taking a two week break from blog commenting, just in case you wonder where my thoughts are over the next fourteen days or so! X.
bavaria says
Thank you! PS. No problem, you are supposed to be having a proper summer break! xx
Sarah@The View From the Table says
This is such a lovely tradition, I like the idea of softening the blow of big school. Someone might need to do that for me I think :)
bavaria says
I know. I think we should get them on their first days back as a reward for the summer hols!! :)
3yearsandhome says
I love this idea. There’s a few Swiss traditions that I’m going to carry on with when we move back. Just as a little reminder to the boys that they were born here and that it’s a small part of their heritage.
bavaria says
That is at least one good part about expat life isn’t it? Thank you! :)
Rachel says
How sweet! Happy back-to-schooling…mine just started kindergarten..:) and a little :( too…
bavaria says
Thank you Rachel, that feels strange at first doesn’t it? Hope they love it! :)
brooke says
Aww, I love this! You know it’s a tradition if lego has parts for it!
bavaria says
Did you see the size of some of them today Brooke? Bigger than the children! :D Thank you!
Mary says
Aw bless. It’s a big day for you too. Mr R ought to make an adult sized Schultute (?sp) and fill it with Prosecco and cake for you x
bavaria says
Yes, why yes I think he should! :D Thanks Mary x
MsCaroline says
So funny to read about this, as we’re getting ready for the Einschulung for our 1st-graders on Saturday (complete with church service beforehand, songs and skits by the ‘old’ 2nd-graders, and a reception afterwards.) This is a huge day in our little expat German school community. I can’t tell how big the Schultüte in the photo is, but the ones our kiddos get from home are enormous(parents buy them while they’re in Germany in the summer) – almost as big as they are! As far as I can tell, that’s the best part of the Einschulung for them. ; ) Best Schultüte I saw last year was a ‘vintage’ one that had belonged to the little boy’s father. I was full of admiration for the grandparents for hanging onto it and for the person who was responsible for filling it and getting it all the way to Korea for Leonard’s Einschulung. Congratulations to Six Year Old and may it be a wonderful year!
bavaria says
I love the story about Leonard’s Father passing his on. I hadn’t realised what a huge deal it was either here, and quite a few parents turned up with huge cones… Love the tradition though! Thank you Caroline, and hope all goes well Saturday!! :)
Carolin says
I still remember mine: It had Snow White on it and a little plush dog looking out of it at the top. I can even tell you what was inside, it’s crazy actually, but they are a really special thing for kids and I find them such a lovely idea to celebrate starting school x
bavaria says
I think it’s a nice idea too. Thank you Carolin! :)
Sally (Recipe Junkie) says
What a great tradition!
bavaria says
Sweet isn’t it? Thank you Sally! (:
emma says
You are a very lovely mummy. Hope they enjoy their golf umbrellas x
bavaria says
Aw thank you Em xxx
Midlife Singlemum says
I wish them both an enjoyable and successful school year. Funny how they give them ‘going home presents’ on the first day. #justkidding
bavaria says
I know right! :D Thank you Rachel! :)