Knowledge Day is observed on September 1 in many post-Soviet countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Turkmenistan. Established in 1984 in the Soviet Union, this cultural holiday marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. It holds special significance for children starting school for the first time, as well as for students of all grades and universities. Traditional customs include well-dressed students bringing bouquets of flowers to school and a young girl, often seated on the shoulder of a senior student, ringing a bell to symbolize the start of the academic year. School and university principals typically deliver speeches to encourage students towards new achievements, after which students proceed to their classrooms for their first lessons.