Traditional Chinese First Writing Ceremony held in Jilin

A child beats a drum at the First Writing Ceremony. Beating a drum is an integral part of the ceremony, which symbolizes the future wisdom and achievements of the drummer. [Photo/IC]

More than 150 children participated in a First Writing Ceremony in Jilin in northeast China's Jilin province on July 11, 2016.

Descendants of Chinese philosopher Confucius attended the event and personally taught the children writing skills.

The First Writing Ceremony, also known as the Enlightenment Ceremony, is a very important observance for every student before they are admitted to school in China.

The ceremony is usually held in the local Confucius temple when would-be students wear traditional costumes and teachers place a red dot on each child’s forehead, signifying the opening of wisdom’s eye, in Chinese traditional culture.

Also, children have to toll a bronze bell to declare the opening of a new semester.