When children in Germany start school for the first time, there’s more than just pencils and notebooks in their backpacks. They also carry a colorful cone called a Schultüte—a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of a child’s educational journey. But what is a Schultüte, and why is it so special? Let’s dive into the history, meaning, and modern significance of this delightful custom.
What Is a Schultüte?
A Schultüte (pronounced SHool-too-teh) is a large, decorated cone typically made of cardboard and filled with sweets, school supplies, small toys, and other goodies. It is given to children on their first day of first grade—known in Germany as Einschulung. This tradition aims to sweeten the bittersweet moment of leaving kindergarten behind and stepping into the structured world of school life.
The cones are usually brightly colored and personalized with the child’s name and favorite characters, from unicorns and dinosaurs to soccer teams and superheroes.
The Origins of the Schultüte
The tradition of the Schultüte dates back over 200 years, to around 1810 in parts of eastern Germany such as Saxony and Thuringia. Back then, parents told their children that a “school tree” in the teacher’s house grew cones filled with goodies—and when the cones were ripe, it was time to start school.
Originally, the cones were brought to school and hung on a tree, and each child picked their own. Over time, the custom became more personal, with parents or grandparents presenting the Schultüte to the child at home or on the way to school.
Why the Schultüte Is More Than Just a Gift
While it may seem like just a fun tradition, the Schultüte carries emotional and cultural weight. Starting school is a major milestone in a child’s life, and this cone acts as both a reward and a source of comfort. It makes the first day exciting, rather than intimidating.
The gift also reflects the values of German culture: preparing children for the seriousness of education while balancing it with joy and celebration.
What Goes Inside a Schultüte?
Traditionally, Schultüten are filled with candy, but modern versions often include practical and fun items too. Here are some common contents:
Sweets and chocolates – Gummy bears, chocolate bars, lollipops
School supplies – Crayons, pencils, erasers, pencil cases
Toys and games – Small puzzles, figurines, stickers
Books – Early readers, coloring books
Personalized gifts – Keychains, name tags, lucky charms
Parents often strike a balance between fun and function, choosing items that are both exciting and useful for the school year ahead.
Schultüte Celebrations in Germany
In Germany, the first day of school is a big deal. Schools often host welcome ceremonies where new students are introduced to their teachers and classrooms. Family members join in, taking photos and making the day a memorable event.
The Schultüte is a centerpiece of this celebration. Children pose for photos proudly holding their cones, often nearly as big as they are! Some families even dress up for the occasion, and it's not uncommon to see grandparents, godparents, and siblings involved in the big day.
Making Your Own Schultüte
Many families choose to make their own Schultüte rather than buying a ready-made one. Crafting a Schultüte is a fun, hands-on way to personalize the tradition.
Materials You’ll Need:
A large sheet of cardboard or poster board
Glue or tape
Tissue paper for the top
Decorations (stickers, glitter, printed characters)
Ribbon or string to tie it closed
Online templates and tutorials make it easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Whether simple or extravagant, handmade cones are often cherished as keepsakes long after the first day of school.
The Schultüte Goes Global
While it remains strongest in Germany, the Schultüte has started to spread to other countries, especially among German expat communities. Schools with German curricula in the U.S., copyright, and Australia have adopted the tradition as part of their cultural education programs.
Social media and international blogs have also helped popularize the idea, with parents around the world borrowing or adapting the custom for their own children.
Final Thoughts: Sweet Beginnings
The Schultüte is a perfect example of how traditions can make life transitions more joyful. It turns a potentially anxious day into something to look forward to—a celebration of growth, learning, and new beginnings.
Whether you’re German or not, incorporating a Schultüte-style tradition into your child’s first day of school can be a meaningful and fun way to mark the occasion. After all, who wouldn’t want a giant cone of happiness to start their school adventure?