As students prepare to don their caps and gowns in anticipation of graduation, it is hard not to wonder what the mortarboard cap actually symbolizes. Is it just a hat, or is there deeper meaning behind it? The graduation cap, also known as the academic cap or mortarboard, is more than just a fashion statement. It is a symbol of academic achievement, representing years of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice.
The graduation cap is adorned with a tassel, which is an equally important symbol in its own right. The tassel is initially worn on the right side of the cap and moved to the left once the academic degree is conferred. This shift reflects the transition from student to graduate and signifies the completion of this stage in one’s academic journey. The tassel can also vary in color, with some institutions using different colors to represent different fields or areas of study.
In this article, we will explore the origins and significance of the graduation cap and tassel, as well as their evolution over time. You’ll discover the history of this academic tradition, how it has evolved to fit modern-day graduations, and the role it plays in contemporary society. Whether you’re a graduating student or simply someone looking to learn more about graduation traditions, this article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the importance of the graduation cap and tassel.
History of the Graduation Cap
The graduation cap, also known as the mortarboard, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The origins of the cap can be traced back to the biretta, a cap worn by Catholic priests. The biretta was made of cloth and had a flat square top with three ridges running across the center. It symbolized scholarship and was worn by academics and theologians.
In the early institutions of higher learning, scholars wore long robes and hoods to indicate their status as educated individuals. However, as these universities grew and the number of students increased, there was a need for a more practical and uniform way to recognize graduates during commencement ceremonies.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the modern graduation cap, or mortarboard, was introduced. The mortarboard cap is a square academic cap with a flat, square top and a tassel attached to the center. The design of the cap is said to have been inspired by the biretta.
- The cap’s square shape represents the shape of the headstones used in English cemeteries, symbolizing the death of one’s academic life and the start of a new one.
- The tassel, originally worn only by doctoral students, represents the hood of the robe.
- The color of the tassel varies by institution and field of study, with some schools using school colors.
Today, graduation ceremonies around the world feature the traditional use of the graduation cap and gown, with students and faculty alike donning the distinctive regalia to celebrate academic achievement. While the mortarboard cap has evolved over the years, its underlying symbolism as a recognition of knowledge and achievement remains as strong as ever.
Evolution of the Graduation Cap Design
The graduation cap is an iconic symbol of academic achievement and the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. But have you ever wondered about the history behind this timeless piece of headwear? From its humble beginnings to the modern-day design, the graduation cap has undergone many changes over the years.
- Origins: The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, has its roots in the medieval period. During this time, scholars would wear hoods and long robes to keep warm in cold, drafty classrooms. The hood eventually evolved into a cap, and the tassel was added as a decorative touch.
- 19th Century: In the early 1800s, the graduation cap started to take on its modern-day shape. The square board was added to the top of the cap, and the tassel was moved to the center. This design quickly gained popularity among universities in the United States and Europe.
- 20th Century: In the early 1900s, the graduation cap became a universal symbol of academic achievement. Its popularity grew during this time, and it became customary for students to wear them during graduation ceremonies around the world. The design remained largely unchanged during this period.
In recent years, there have been some variations to the traditional graduation cap design. Some schools have started to customize their caps with different colors, designs, and decorations. However, the classic square board and tassel design remains the most common and recognizable.
It’s amazing to think that such a seemingly simple accessory has such a rich history and tradition. The graduation cap is an enduring symbol of academic achievement and serves as a reminder of all the hard work and dedication that goes into earning a degree.
The Significance of the Graduation Cap’s Tassel
As the graduation cap is an essential part of graduation attire, it is the tassel that catches the attention of those who witness the ceremony. One prominent feature of the graduation cap is the tassel hanging from the top’s center. Here, we will discuss the significance of the graduation cap’s tassel.
- Transition: The tassel transition from right to left during the commencement ceremony has a meaning.
- Achievement: The tassel denotes the graduate’s achievement.
- Academic Discipline and Major: The color of the tassel may vary according to the academic discipline or major.
Let’s delve further into the explanation of these three significant meanings of the graduation cap’s tassel.
1. Transition: The tassel transition from right to left during the graduation ceremony has a special meaning. It is a symbolic gesture representing the transition from candidate to graduate. Initially, the caps hang with the tassels on the right side of the mortarboards. When receiving a degree, the cap wearer switches the tassel to the left side, signifying the individual’s transition from undergraduate to graduate status closer. This small gesture marks the completion of their academic journey.
2. Achievement: Besides being symbolic of the transition, the tassel on the mortarboard is also a symbol of academic achievement. The tassel’s color typically corresponds with the school’s color or the degree level received. Therefore, the tassel serves as a symbol of recognition for the graduate’s academic accomplishments.
3. Academic Discipline and Major: The color of the tassel is not always identical on each graduation cap. The color may vary depending on the academic discipline or major being pursued. For example, in the USA, gold tassels are utilized for Doctorate degrees, and Pink tassels are used for Music Bachelor of Arts degrees. The tassel’s various colors indicate the achievement of a specific academic field or interest.
| Tassel Color | Academic Division | Department |
|---|---|---|
| White | Arts and Humanities | English, Communications, Fine Arts |
| Light Blue | Education | Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education |
| Brown | Public Service | Social Work, Public Administration, Law |
| Yellow | Science | Mathematics, Natural Science, Engineering |
| Orange | Human Services | Nursing, Hospitality, Counseling |
| Gold | Doctorate | All Disciplines |
In conclusion, the graduation cap and tassel are not just a mandatory part of the graduation ceremony; instead, they symbolize the graduate’s long journey, academic accomplishments, and area of expertise. Therefore, the graduation tassel has a much deeper meaning than what meets the eyes.
Differences in graduation cap traditions around the world
Graduation day is a momentous event for students all around the world. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and is a time for celebration and reflection. In addition to the traditional cap and gown, many countries have their own unique graduation cap traditions. In this article, we will explore some of these differences and what they symbolize.
- The United States: In the United States, the graduation cap, also known as the mortarboard, has a square shape with a tassel on top. The tassel is traditionally worn on the right side of the cap before the degree is conferred, and then moved to the left side after graduation. This tradition symbolizes the transition from student to graduate.
- Sweden: In Sweden, students wear white sailor caps with black visors during graduation ceremonies. These caps are adorned with the student’s university or school’s emblem, and are a symbol of the student’s achievements and future potential.
- South Africa: In South Africa, graduation caps are called tudor bonnets and are worn with a gown. The cap features a soft cloth top and a hard brim, and is often adorned with a tassel or button. Similar to the United States, students move the tassel from the right to the left side during the ceremony to symbolize their new status as graduates.
In addition to these differences in graduation cap styles, some countries also have unique traditions surrounding the throwing of the caps at the end of the ceremony.
In France, students will often throw their caps into the air while chanting their school’s name. This tradition is said to have originated from students who were unable to express their joy when receiving their diplomas due to strict graduation ceremony rules and regulations.
In China, students will often throw their caps in the air and quickly scramble to catch them. This tradition is believed to bring good luck to the graduates and their families.
| Country | Cap Style | Capping Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
| The United States | Square-shaped mortarboard with tassel | Move tassel from right to left side after degree conferred |
| Sweden | White sailor cap with black visor | Adorned with emblem of university or school |
| South Africa | Tudor bonnet with soft cloth top and hard brim | Move tassel from right to left side after degree conferred |
No matter where in the world you are graduating from, the graduation cap is a universal symbol of academic achievement and the hard work and dedication required to reach this important milestone. These unique traditions and ceremonies surrounding graduation caps serve as a reminder of the diversity and beauty of our global community.
The Role of the Graduation Cap in Commencement Ceremonies
The graduation cap, also known as the mortarboard, is an iconic symbol of graduation ceremonies around the world. It is worn by students during the commencement exercises as a sign of their academic achievement. In this section, we will explore the different roles that the graduation cap plays in these ceremonies.
- Symbolism: The graduation cap symbolizes the culmination of academic achievement. It represents the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of students who have completed their studies. The cap also signifies the transition from student life to professional life.
- Uniformity: The graduation cap is one of the many items of clothing that are worn during the commencement exercises. The wearing of the cap provides a sense of uniformity to the proceedings, making it clear that everyone present is part of the same group.
- Distinguishing students: While the graduation gown is typically worn by all students, the graduation cap is typically customized with the colors and symbols that represent the student’s field of study or academic institution. This allows for individuality while still maintaining the sense of uniformity.
The graduation cap also plays a role in the ritualistic aspects of the graduation ceremony. For example, during the ceremony, the tassel on the graduation cap is usually worn on the right-hand side. However, after the conferring of degrees, students move the tassel to the left-hand side to symbolize their transition from candidate to graduate.
Below is a table summarizing the different elements of the graduation cap:
| Element | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Mortarboard | Academic achievement |
| Tassel | Transition from candidate to graduate |
| Customization | Individuality while maintaining uniformity |
Overall, the graduation cap plays a significant role in the commencement ceremony. It symbolizes the culmination of academic achievement and the transition from student life to professional life. The wearing of the cap also provides a sense of uniformity to the proceedings while allowing for individuality.
The symbolism of the color of the graduation cap and gown
Graduation is an important milestone in every student’s life. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of new possibilities. Graduates don the cap and gown on this special day, but what does the graduation cap actually symbolize? Here, we will delve into the symbolism of the color of the graduation cap and gown.
- Black: Black is the most traditional color for graduation attire. It symbolizes formality, authority, and distinction. Black is also a color that represents timelessness, as it never goes out of style. Many universities and high schools opt for black graduation regalia.
- Blue: Blue is usually associated with trust, confidence, and wisdom. It represents the depth and vastness of the ocean and the sky, which can lead someone to think of exploring and discovering knowledge and truth in the world. Some institutions choose blue for their graduation garb as a symbol of intellectualism and academic pursuit.
- White: White is a color that often represents purity, innocence, and timelessness. It is also used to symbolize new beginnings, as it represents a blank slate that can be filled with new ideas and knowledge. Several universities and colleges worldwide consider white as their graduation color. It signifies hope, brightness and dedication which are essential values that graduates should thrive in their upcoming life journey.
- Gold: Gold is a color that symbolizes achievement, success, and abundance. It is often used to represent the fruits of one’s labor and the rewards of hard work. Graduating individuals often receive gold tassels or stoles to indicate their achievements and accomplishments in their academic or extracurricular pursuits, as they represent an outstanding academic achievement, leadership roles academically or in a student organization, or perhaps an honors society membership.
Aside from the colors of the graduation attire, the number of tassels on the graduation cap also carries its own symbolism. There are generally a few different variations:
| Number of Tassels | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| One Tassel | Graduating from a bachelor’s degree program |
| Two Tassels | Graduating from a master’s degree program |
| Three Tassels | Graduating from a doctoral degree program |
The symbolism of the graduation cap and gown is an essential aspect of any graduation ceremony. The colors and amount of tassels signify a graduate’s academic achievements, dedication, and hard work throughout their time in school. Graduation is a time of celebration, a symbol of the beginning of new opportunities and a time to honor one’s accomplishments.
The Origin of the Word “Mortarboard” to Describe the Graduation Cap
The traditional graduation cap worn at ceremonies is often referred to as a “mortarboard.” This term can be traced back to its origin in ancient times when scholars wore long robes and a headpiece that resembled a monk’s hood. These headpieces were called birettas and had a flat square top with three or four projections known as “horns” or “ears.” Around the 15th century, these projections on the biretta were gradually shortened, and the headpiece evolved into a flat square cap made of stiff cloth or cardboard. This cap became known as a “skullcap” because of its close-fitting design on the head.
It wasn’t until the 16th century that the term “mortarboard” was first used to describe this distinctive cap. The name derived from the similarity between the cap’s flat, square top and the shape of a mason’s tool used to hold mortar during construction. It is possible that this term was coined by an early graduate wearing the cap who remarked that the headpiece looked like a miniature version of the tool.
The Superstitions Surrounding the Placement and Wearing of the Graduation Cap
Graduation is a significant milestone in one’s life, and it’s essential to acknowledge its significance. As a result, a graduation ceremony is organized to signify the end of an educational journey and the beginning of another chapter in one’s life. During such an event, wearing a graduation cap, or mortarboard is expected. This cap carries a lot of symbolism and superstitions, and they vary widely depending on the country, university, and the individual
The Number 8
The number eight is believed to be a lucky number in some cultures, especially in China. Thus, it’s not surprising that some people believe that placing the graduation cap upside down, making an eight symbol, will bring good fortune. This superstition is prevalent in Asia, specifically in countries like China, where the number eight is associated with wealth and good luck.
- Some people believe that making the eight symbol with the graduation cap placed upside down will bring exceptional achievement and success in the future.
- Others believe that it brings financial success and prosperity.
- Moreover, some cultures associate the number eight with longevity and health. Therefore, placing the graduation cap upside down in an eight-shape signifies a long and prosperous life.
The Tassel Placement
Another graduation cap superstition is regarding the tassel placement. The tassel is the part of the hat that hangs down from the top, and it carries a lot of symbolism. Traditionally, the tassel is placed on the right side of the cap and is moved to the left at some point during the graduation ceremony. Here are some of the superstitions surrounding the tassel:
- It’s said that switching the tassel towards the left side before receiving the diploma symbolizes the official transition from the student to the graduate.
- Others believe that switching the tassel towards the left is to signify the individual’s move into the work world.
- Moreover, some associate the tassel with the zodiac sign. In this case, switching the tassel from right to left is a symbol of growth and maturity, and it takes the individual symbolically through the astrological year.
The Color of the Tassel
The color of the tassel on the graduation cap has different meanings depending on the country and institution. Traditionally, the tassel color is related to the college or university the student is graduating from. The following are some examples:
| Color | Institution | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Science and Engineering | Success and achievement in the field of science and engineering |
| Purple | Law | Justice and wisdom |
| Green | Medicine | Life and health |
Aside from the traditional meanings associated with the tassel color, there are various superstitutions surrounding it. Here are some examples:
- Some believe that the color of the tassel could bring good luck or bad luck.
- Others believe that the color could impact one’s career or professional life. For instance, wearing a gold tassel could mean a higher probability of career success, while wearing a white tassel could signify difficulties in career advancement.
- Additionally, some individuals believe that the color of the tassel could represent the graduate’s personality traits or reflect their character.
Overall, graduation ceremonies are full of traditions and symbolism. Each superstition surrounding the placement and wearing of the graduation cap has a specific meaning that makes the event more special and significant.
The influence of graduation cap designs on fashion trends
Graduation caps, also known as mortarboards, have been a part of graduation ceremonies since the early 14th century. They were initially worn by scholars and teachers as a symbol of their knowledge and wisdom. Today, these caps have become one of the most recognizable symbols of academic achievement. In addition to their traditional design, graduation caps have undergone significant changes over the years.
With the evolution of fashion and design trends, graduation caps have become more than just a symbol of academic achievement. They have become a canvas for self-expression and creativity. Graduates now personalize their mortarboards with unique designs, quotes, and symbols. These designs can often represent their personality, interests, and aspirations.
- 1. The flower trend: In recent years, graduates have been incorporating floral designs into their mortarboards. These designs often feature brightly colored flowers that symbolize new beginnings and growth.
- 2. The quote trend: Many graduates choose to incorporate a meaningful quote into their mortarboard designs. These quotes can be inspirational, motivational, or funny.
- 3. The pop culture trend: Graduates often incorporate their favorite pop culture references into their mortarboard designs. These designs can feature characters from movies, TV shows, or video games.
The influence of graduation caps on fashion trends is evident in the popularity of these trends. Graduation caps are no longer just a symbol of academic achievement. They now represent a graduate’s personality, creativity, and aspirations.
Some designers have taken these trends to the next level by creating graduation cap-inspired fashion items such as hats, t-shirts, and jewelry. These items are often inspired by the unique and creative designs seen on graduation caps.
| Graduation Cap Design | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Butterflies | Symbolize transformation and growth |
| Stars | Symbolize success and achievement |
| Monograms | Personalized design with initials or name |
| Travel-themed designs | Symbolize adventure and new beginnings |
The influence of graduation cap designs on fashion trends is proof that even the smallest details can make a significant impact. Graduates continue to find creative ways to express their individuality and personality through their mortarboard designs, making each graduation ceremony unique and memorable.
Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas and Trends
With graduation season approaching, one of the most exciting aspects for graduates is decorating their graduation cap. The graduation cap, also known as the mortarboard, has a significant meaning behind it. It is a symbol of academic achievement and serves as a representation of a graduate’s years of hard work and dedication.
The Number 10
The number 10 is a popular graduation cap decoration because it signifies the completion of a full cycle. Graduates may choose to add the number 10 to their cap to represent the end of their academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
- A simple way to incorporate the number 10 is by adding a large number 10 sticker or cut-out to the cap. This can be done in a color that matches the graduate’s school or personal style.
- Another option is to write out the number 10 in a unique font or calligraphy style using fabric paint or markers.
- Graduates can also use rhinestones or sequins to create a sparkly number 10 design on their cap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to execute | May not be unique |
| Can be done in a variety of styles and colors | Not as personalized as other options |
The number 10 is a simple yet impactful way for graduates to make their cap stand out and symbolize the end of their academic journey. With various options for execution and personalization, it’s no wonder why this decoration trend continues to be popular.
What Does the Graduation Cap Symbolize? FAQs
1. What does the graduation cap symbolize?
The graduation cap, more commonly known as the mortarboard, is a symbol of academic achievement and signifies the completion of one’s studies.
2. Why is the graduation cap square?
The graduation cap is square to represent the shape of the open book, a symbol of knowledge and learning.
3. Why is the graduation cap called a mortarboard?
The graduation cap was historically worn by scholars and professors, who used a flat board called a “mortarboard” to hold and mix substances in their scientific experiments.
4. Why do graduates wear tassels?
Graduates wear tassels as a symbol of their academic achievement. The tassel is typically worn on the right side of the cap before the degree is awarded and moved to the left side after the degree is conferred.
5. What do the colors of the tassel represent?
The colors of the tassel vary by discipline and university, but often signify the graduate’s field of study. For example, blue may represent the arts and humanities, while green may represent medicine and health sciences.
6. How did the tradition of wearing graduation caps begin?
The tradition of wearing graduation caps can be traced back to the medieval period, where scholars would wear caps and gowns as a symbol of their academic status.
7. What is the significance of throwing graduation caps in the air?
The tradition of throwing graduation caps in the air is a celebratory gesture, signifying the end of one’s studies and the beginning of a new chapter in life.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has shed some light on the significance of the graduation cap. Whether you’re a recent graduate or just curious about the traditions surrounding graduation, the graduation cap symbolizes the achievement, knowledge, and hard work that goes into earning a degree. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again for more interesting articles!