Today we will tell you about some incredibly interesting and sometimes funny student traditions from different parts of the world. The world of students is full of its own unique rituals and customs that make the years of studying even more memorable.
USA: Orientation and Night Marathons
American universities are known for their unique rituals and closed clubs that are difficult to get into (for example, the legendary "Skull and Bones" of Yale University).
At the very beginning of the academic year, most universities conduct orientation for first-year students — these are several days of activities when students get acquainted with each other and the university.
The night before the session, students often get together to stay up until morning, study materials, and support each other. Often, such nights turn into fun activities that even some teachers join in to cheer up their students.
Harvard University is famous for its "naked marathon": students run around the campus completely naked at the end of the academic year, marking the end of educational tests! And at the University of Virginia, there is a tradition of "Homer's kiss" - students kiss a statue of Homer before exams in the hope of good luck.
Europe: the screams and mysteries of the goose Liza
In Europe, the student spirit is also manifested in various rituals.
- For example, students from many European countries take to the streets before exams and shout from the bottom of their hearts to relieve stress.
- In Germany, students rub the shoes of a statue of Michel Montaigne in the hope that it will bring good luck in exams.
- In France, students knock on their desks before exams - a kind of gesture of luck.
- In Austria, students turn to the statue of the goose Lisa, make a wish and believe that it will help them.
- In Spain and Portugal, superstitions are also not dispensed with. In Spain, traditions related to frogs are very popular among students: for example, in one of the universities there is a superstition that you need to find a hidden stone frog on the façade of the university building in order to successfully pass the exams. In Portugal, there is a tradition of initiation into students: senior students organize various tests for newcomers, during which first-year students become part of the student community.
- In Poland, students like to celebrate a special student day – Juvenalia: students organize parades, concerts and competitions, and the winners receive symbolic awards.
East Asia: Rituals and Gastronomy
In East Asia, especially in China, there are many rituals and superstitions related to food. For example, students try to eat dishes that are associated with good luck and success before exams.
India and Bangladesh: Prayers and Feasts
In India, students often turn to prayers and religious ceremonies before exams, believing in the power of spiritual support, arrange joint dinners, where a table is laid with a variety of dishes symbolizing well-being and success.
In Bangladesh, students rarely do without prayers and ritual actions before exams in order to gain the support of higher powers. Food and communal feasts play an important role in strengthening student morale.
Africa: Refusing to shake hands
In some African countries, students avoid shaking hands during exams, believing that this can "transmit" bad luck. This ritual helps to maintain an optimistic attitude and keep a distance from potential "ill-wishers".
These are the student traditions in different countries of the world! Student life is not only serious work, but also communication, friendship and, of course, fun.
