Knowledge And Literature Day
Knowledge and Literature Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the 1st of September every year in Armenia. It’s a holiday that celebrates the beginning of the school year and it holds up education as one of the highest goals of civilization. On this day, there are special assemblies that are held at schools and universities all across the country.
Armenia (Observance)There is also the ringing of the first bell for first graders going to school for the first time of the year. Although this is an important day, particularly among educators and students, it’s not a public holiday in Armenia. As such, government offices, schools and businesses operate according to normal business hours.
The History Of Knowledge & Literature Day In Armenia
Throughout the course of its history, Armenia was ruled by various empires — mainly the Ottoman and Persian Empires. However, during the 19th century, the country came under Russian rule. When the Russian Empire collapsed, the country would then declare its independence in 1918. Four years later, in 1922, Armenia would then become a founding member of the Soviet Union.
In August of 1991, after the failed coup in Moscow, a referendum for independence would be put force and voted on in September of 1991. It would become the first non-Baltic republic to secede from the USSR and become an independent nation. However, when it became its own country, it retained some of the previous Soviet holidays and one of these was Knowledge Day.
Knowledge Day began as a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on June 15, 1984. It was established on September 1st as the beginning of the school year and the end of summer. It was especially significant for first graders who would go to school for the first time. This holiday would be carried over to Armenia and would become known as Knowledge and Literature Day.
Observing Knowledge & Literature Day In Armenia
This holiday is observed with special school assemblies at schools and universities across Armenia, as well as the ringing of the first bell for first-graders. Aside from the events, however, there are very few other celebrations observed.
Armenia (Observance)
