The tradition goes back to 12th century Europe, when the first universities were founded. According to Columbia University, gowns and hoods were worn by clergy, and their students adopted the same garb.
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What is the origin of the graduation cap?
This particular style of cap is believed to have been developed in the 15th century, evolving from the square-shaped birettas used by Catholic clerics, scholars, and professors. The tassel worn on the mortarboard is the one item of regalia that has probably allowed for the greatest latitude when it comes to traditions.
What does the graduation cap and gown symbolize?
After the Civil War, academic regalia was reserved strictly for graduation. For that reason, the cap and gown symbolize recognition and achievement. While hoods are no longer in use for warmth, they remain in use as a decorative piece representing one’s field of study.
Why do we wear graduation gowns?
Introducing a gown and a hood was for the purpose of keeping students warm. Historians also believe that gowns and hoods were introduced in order to distinguish students’ religious and scholarly status from the laypeople of the town in which they studied.
What is the origin of the mortarboard?
Mortarboard caps are thought to have been created in the 15th century, as part of an evolution from a hat type known as a birettas which was used by Catholic clerics and professors. The distinctive square shape of a mortarboard is believed to signify a book, chosen in recognition of scholarly achievements.
Why do only female graduates wear caps?
Like many other traditions in Ireland, the Catholic church had some influence over this social norm. Men are expected to remove hats in places of worship, as a mark of respect and to avoid “dishonouring” his head, while women are required to remain covered during acts of worship.
What does a black graduation gown mean?
doctoral
Most schools use the color black for their doctoral gowns. Some doctoral degrees have specially colored velvet or piping that reflects their academic field.
What do the three stripes on a graduation gown mean?
the doctorate
The highest level of academic achievement, the doctorate, is marked by broad velvet panels down the front of the gown, accompanied by three velvet bars on each arm, which are open and round. The doctorate allows allows the conferee to wear a velvet beret with a gold or bullion tassel.
Why do graduates throw their caps?
The act of throwing caps in the air is now widely known as a symbolic act to end a chapter of the graduate’s life. There’s something so unforgettable about watching it from the stands as well as being the person tossing a cap! Some schools embrace the tradition, while others have banned cap-tossing altogether.
Can you graduate without a gown?
It’s totally absurd – you can’t graduate without a gown, and you have to pay to wear it for an hour!” At many universities, students have to pay not only for their gowns, but also for a ticket to go to their own graduation.
Why do master’s robes have long sleeves?
Today, master’s gowns are generally worn closed, but for the first sixty-five years of American academic costume history, they were worn open in the front. The sleeve design of the master’s gown required a jacket to be worn underneath, otherwise the wearer’s bare arms would show and create an awkward appearance.
Who invented graduation caps?
Introduction of Modern-Day Graduation Caps
During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was called a “corner-cap”. By 1950, a Catholic priest named Joseph Durham and an inventor named Edward O’Reilly were working together to file a mortarboard patent in the United States.
What is the meaning of cap and gown?
cap and gown. Ceremonial dress worn at graduation exercises; by extension, the academic community (also see town and gown. For example, Mary was very proud) when she received her cap and gown for commencement. [ Mid-1800s]
What should I wear under my graduation gown?
Women are best wearing either dress pants or a shorter skirt underneath the gown, while men should choose khakis or dark-colored dress pants. Avoid brightly coloured bottoms if you choose to wear dress pants or a longer skirt, as they can be seen below the hem of the gown and stick to darker colours.
What is the hat worn at graduation called?
The graduate hat (also known as an academic cap, graduate cap, mortarboard, or trencher) is part of the formal academic attire to be worn by graduating students (graduands) during the graduation ceremony.
Why do men not wear hats at graduation?
Tradition called for men to remove headgear indoors as a sign of respect, as these items were functional and often identified the wearer’s role in society: the soldier, the policeman, the clergyman.
What do the Colours mean on graduation gowns?
There are three main types of gowns: Bachelor, Master and Doctorate. Bachelor gowns are black and have short sleeves. Masters gowns are black and have long sleeves. Doctorate robes are red with coloured silk and long sleeves.
What do the different graduation colors mean?
3) Different colors mean different things
White: Humanities, Arts, English, etc. Beige: Business. Green: Medicine, Pharmacy and Physical Education. Orange: Engineering.
What does a white graduation stole mean?
White. Traditionally represents degrees in the arts and humanities, including majors in English, history, and literature. Drab (or beige). Represents business degrees, including accounting and labor relations. Maize.
What does yellow rope mean at graduation?
excellence in the biological sciences
Used by such prestigious academic honor societies as Kappa Theta Epsilon and Phi Sigma, the yellow graduation cord is most often used to represent excellence in the biological sciences, in both public and academic administration, and in general education and growth.
What do the scarves at graduation mean?
For high school graduations, commencement speakers, valedictorians, and salutatorians will wear stoles that indicate their academic standing among their peers. Other graduates may wear stoles to represent their extracurricular memberships such as drama, foreign language, science, speech & debate, or volunteer efforts.