The first day of elementary school can be an intimidating experience for many children. But for German kids, their first day of school is sweetened by a giant, colorful friend called the “School cone”. Every fall, as a new school year begins in Germany, it is common to see groups of tiny first-graders, each proudly carrying what looks like a paper candy over half of their size.

For Juergen Schneider, who grew up with this tradition in Germany, the memory of receiving his school cone remains vivid even though years have gone by. 

Young Juergen Schneider with a school cone on his first day at school (Photo: Juergen Schneider)

“I still remember it, actually," Juergen recalled, "I was six years old. It was a surprise by my parents on the first day of my elementary school, so it felt a bit like Christmas when my parents gave me that school cone. It was very colorful. It was made of paper and wood, and there were all kinds of useful and interesting things inside for the first day of school, like a lunchbox, pencils, papers, basically a lot of technical equipment that you need to get started with elementary school. There was also food inside, like sweets, chocolates, gummy bears, and bread, to make sure you had enough energy for school.”

Usually, parents or godparents prepare the cone as a surprise gift bag for their kids. To the six-year-olds who are about to enter a new environment, this huge cone-shaped bag filled with delicious treats is just what they need for a sense of comfort. 

School cones ease the transition from home to school (Photo: Gerhad Haudbold/Wikimedia Commons)

Juergen told VOV, “I would say the meaning is also to ease the transition from home to school. For many children, the first day of school can be a bit overwhelming, so the cone adds an element of excitement and makes them want to go to school."

School cones also symbolize good luck and positive beginnings, as parents want to ensure that their children feel supported and celebrated as they embark on their educational journey, Juergen said. Some also view the school cone as a passage for young children, starting formal education and a new stage of independence. 

The earliest references of school cones date back to the 18th century. Like the Mexican pinatas, these cardboard cones were originally hung on a tree. But instead of smashing the cones with a club, the children had to pick their cones without breaking them.

“This first appeared in parts of Eastern Germany, particularly in the region like Saxony, about 200 kilometers away from where I grew up in the state of Bavaria," Juergen explained, adding that the school cones used to be much larger and were sometimes even hung in schools as a symbol of celebration.  

Initially, the cones were mostly given to children in urban areas. As primary education was introduced in rural areas, the practice of giving school cones to lift children’s spirits became more prevalent. Nowadays, over 2 million school cones are produced every year by Nestler GmbH Feinkartonagen, one of the largest manufacturers of school cones in Germany. Since the 20th century, this endearing tradition has also spread to other countries like Austria and parts of Switzerland, where Juergen currently live.

German first-graders and their parents in front of a school entrance in 1953 (Photo: Hans Lachmann/Wikimedia Commons)

"Some Eastern and Central European countries like the Czech Republic and Poland have similar traditions, but they're not as widespread as they are in Germany. In other countries, especially outside of Europe, the idea of a school cone or a special gift on the first day of school, I would say, isn't as common. So it's really a unique aspect of German culture,” said Juergen.

Over the years, the practice has undergone some changes. More school goodies are added to the cones besides the traditional sweets. Instead of the colored paper crafts, many families opt for cones with LED lights, sound buttons, or images of popular cartoon characters.

School cone designs may change over time, but the essence remains the same (Photo: Andreas Bohnenstengel/Wikimedia Commons)

Juergen continued, “I would say over time, the tradition took on a bit more of a festival feel. The cones became more decorated and personalized to reflect the individuality of each child. Some have a Batman or Superman, especially the boys. The girls have mermaids. It really depends on their character. But they are all very colorful.”

Despite the new influences, school cones are a manifestation of the unconditional love parents have for their children. And just like love, this tradition will undoubtedly stand the test of time.