What the FIRST DAY of school looked like in the USSR (PHOTOS)

On September 1, all Soviet schoolchildren would put on their freshly ironed uniforms and hurry to their classes.

Before the lessons, there was always a ceremonial ‘assembly’ (‘линейка’ – lineyka). The students lined up by year, holding a placard with their class number.

The school principal would then give a welcoming speech.

Then came the symbolic ‘First Bell’ – signaling the start of the lesson. It was an important symbolic gesture: a graduating student would put a first-grade girl with a bell on his shoulder.

And the whole class would solemnly march to their first lessons.

On the first day of school, teachers usually went easy on the children. They would review what had been covered in previous years and often assign an essay on ‘How I Spent My Summer’.

Also on September 1, ‘Peace Lessons’ were held, where the importance of preserving peace was discussed.

It was not uncommon for World War II veterans to visit schools on September 1, telling children about their war experiences.

For Soviet children, this day was mostly joyful, as they would meet their school friends again (many of whom they hadn't seen at all during the summer holidays).

But, kids are kids and, of course, many were sad that the carefree summer was over.

The main attribute of Knowledge Day was always flowers. Each student would bring a bouquet for their class teacher.

And, on this special day, parents would always take pictures with their smartly dressed child.