A student presents “Shuxiu” gifts as a display of gratitude to her teacher. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Children also performed the “Shuxiu” ritual, where gifts are given to their teachers as a display of gratitude. In ancient times, parents would prepare gifts and rewards for the teachers. As there was no fixed tuition fee, parents generally paid teachers according to their household income.

The troupe was comprised of 60 students from primary schools in Zoucheng city. After systematic study and research of traditional rituals, series of ritual performances were staged by the group, including coming of age, wedding and arrow shooting ceremonies.

Li Ping, deputy director of Zoucheng press and publication bureau, said that the students would perform the rituals at all primary schools in Zoucheng city to promote traditional culture.

“The performances can help students and parents experience traditional culture through participation and interaction,” said Li.

The First Writing Ceremony - also known as the Kaibi Ceremony - was very important for every student before they were admitted to school in ancient times. During the ceremony, teachers would put a red dot on the child’s forehead to symbolize the start of an exploration of knowledge.