A Han-style First Writing Ceremony is held in Xi’an city, Shanxi province, on March 1, 2014. More than 50 children from Xi’an are attending the event to experience the traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]

On the start of every school session in ancient China, parents would take their children to attend the First Writing Ceremony. Also called Kaibi Ceremony, it was an important event for every student before they were admitted to school. Teachers would put a red dot on the children’s forehead as it represented opening the wisdom eye, since the words “red dot” are pronounced the same as “wisdom” in Chinese.

Today some ancient-style First Writing Ceremonies are still held in China before the new session begins. Children put on traditional costumes and kowtow to Confucius and their teachers. It means that from this moment, they are ready to take a step on the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.