Schultüte-- First Day Treat

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Doug's nephew started first grade today in a local Catholic day school in German Village, and Doug's mom told me that he was anticipating receiving his Schultüte, which he knew he would get on his first day. She told me that each first-grader in the school gets one, following the German tradition. We talked about the possible translations, thinking "schul" must mean school and wondering what "tüte" could mean. I finally got nosy enough to Google it.

Schultüte translates to "school cone" also called "sweet cone" or "sweet bag." The tradition began in Germany (you can read about it here and here) where first-graders picked the cones from a tree, with the understanding that when the "fruits" on the tree were ripe enough to be picked, you were big enough to go to school. I think it's a darling tradition, and have decided that it would be a fun tradition to start in our home. From what I read, it seems the tradition has extended to all of the children, so both of my students will get one as well. I might even have to create one for my 10th grader (even though he already started), as well as my college student. I bet he'd be the only one in the dorm with one.

For my Schultüte tutorial go here.


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