New Matriculation
In Finland we have some of our own traditions about our matriculation.
In secondary high school we have 3 classes. On the 3rd class,
in February, we finish the ordinary school. The day after that the 2nd
class pupils come to school and dance "old fashioned dances".
They have old-fashioned dresses and splendid hairstyles.
Before the exams start, 3rd class pupils celebrate "penkkarit". They drive
around
their home town, standing in open top lorries and make a lot of noise.
The sides of the lorry are covered with slogans about some current matter,
or with just jokes. They throw big amounts of cheap sweets to lower-stage students
and drink champagne.
After that they don't have school lessons any more, just oral and written
tests for the matriculation exam. When students have passed the exams,
they get a white student's cap, at the end of the term. On the same day,
after the festivities at school, they also go to the graveyard and take
flowers to the grave of those who have died in the war. They have parties,
where they invite many friends and relatives. They first drink a toast to
the health of the student and then serve food and cake. Students get
presents, for example flowers and money.
Assi Ebeling, 9i