September is a big month for students in China since the new term begins from now on. In ancient China, the school entrance ceremony(入学典礼) was one of the most important ceremonies.
Children began school between the ages of 4—7 in ancient China. Since there was no certain time to begin a new term at that time, the most important thing for parents was to choose a lucky day for their children to enter school. Next, parents would prepare some school things for their children, including desks, chairs and four treasures of the study.
In ancient times, teachers were usually very knowledgeable local persons. Parents would prepare many gifts, and then write a letter of invitation to ask a knowledgeable man to be their children's teacher.
On the day their children entered school, parents would take them to take part in the First Writing Ceremony. Before that, children would kowtow(叩头) to the statue of Confucius(孔子像) 9 times and then to their teacher 3 times to show their deep respect(尊敬). During the ceremony, the teacher would put a red point on the students' forehead(前额) as it meant opening the wisdom eye. Children would also ring a certain bell to start a new term. After that, they could finally sit down in their seats and begin to study. The First Writing Ceremony was a very important ceremony for every student.
Every day, students would arrive at school earlier than their teacher, and kowtow to the statue of Confucius, and then go back to the seats. Usually the teacher would give every student a new name, which was used for future Imperial Examination(科举考试) .
Today, some schools are starting to hold an entrance ceremony like they did in ancient times. Students put on traditional costumes and bow to the statue of Confucius and their teachers. This means that from this moment, they take a step in the lifelong journey of learning.
