What does a black tassel mean for graduation?

Asked by: Dr. Nikolas Kuphal  |  Last update: August 30, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (64 votes)

In observance of tradition, all participants in Commencement will wear full academic regalia consisting of a traditional gown and mortarboard with tassel. All Master's Degree candidates will wear black tassels. Bachelor's Degree candidates will wear tassels varying in color to denote their degree.

What does black tassels mean?

Traditionally seen decorating colourful trucks in Northern India and Rajasthan, these black, tassel, pom-poms, hang from truck mirrors and are believed to protect the drivers from the evil-eye and ward of bad luck while on the road.

What are the color codes for graduation tassels?

The expected color for students to wear during graduation on their tassels is as follows:
  • Gold: Liberal Arts & Science.
  • Blue: Education, Public Works, Arts.
  • Brown/Drab: Business Majors.
  • Red: Journalism.
  • Pink: Nursing, Public Health, and similar.

Does the color of the tassel matter?

While black is the traditional color worn for graduation, most schools have a preferred tassel color that coincides with school colors, represents graduation in a specific field, or designates an honor student graduate.

What is the rule for graduation tassels?

Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates. For college graduates, Bachelor again wear tassels on right side until their degrees are conferred, then move to left. Graduate students wear on left from the beginning.

What do different color graduation tassels mean?

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Why do I have 2 graduation tassels?

A second tassel is usually associated with membership to an honors society or extra-curricular activity. So if you were in either of these activities during school, be sure to ask around to see if there is a special tassel being designed and distributed to the members of said group and get your second tassel ready!

What does a tassel symbolize?

The tassel before graduation symbolizes your time as a student. When you move it to the other side, you are confirming your newfound graduate status. Today, this simple but beautiful tradition is performed at commencements across the country.

What does a black graduation tassel mean?

In observance of tradition, all participants in Commencement will wear full academic regalia consisting of a traditional gown and mortarboard with tassel. All Master's Degree candidates will wear black tassels. Bachelor's Degree candidates will wear tassels varying in color to denote their degree.

Do you wear tassel on left or right after graduation?

Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

What do the Colours for graduation mean?

Academic gowns and hoods

Most of our graduates wear a black 'masters' gown. However, there are different gowns for those receiving some of our doctorates. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) graduates wear a gown with a blue lining and red border.

Who wears a stole at college graduation?

An academic stole is a vestment used by various organizations to denote club involvement or academic achievement. Its use includes membership of a professional organization, a high school valedictorian award, and adorns the academic regalia representing some university and college courses.

What color tassel for masters degree?

All Master's degrees use a BLACK tassel. All Doctoral degrees use an OLD GOLD tassel.

Do tassels have a purpose?

Tassels can be found going back thousands of years as a symbol of status, luxury, or luck. They are a universal adornment that is seen in varying versions in many cultures around the globe.

What is an honor tassel?

An honor cord is a token consisting of twisted cords with tassels on either end awarded to members of honor societies or for various academic and non-academic achievements, awards, or honors. Usually, cords come in pairs with a knot in the middle to hold them together.

Do tassel colors mean anything?

Colors used on the trimmings of doctors' gowns, edging of hoods, and tassels of caps are associated with different disciplines. The use of old gold and royal blue in hoods denotes a Notre Dame degree. Tassels are worn on the right side and shifted to the left after the degree has been conferred.

What color is health and wealth?

It's because green is synonymous with wealth and financial stability. Financial giants like TD and H&R Block use this colour to signal prosperity and reliability. Bright shades of green are also linked with vibrancy and creativity.

What does the black graduation gown mean?

Black gowns are a universal representation of the academic journey and emphasize the scholarly accomplishments of the graduates. Hoods: The hood, often seen as part of the graduation attire, is one of the most significant components. The color of the hood's lining signifies the academic discipline or field of study.

What are the different tassels for graduation?

Purple - Indicates excellence in a career in technical education. Red - Students involved in many organizations or student government. Gold - Symbolizes high honors and or a high GPA. Black - Excellent leadership skills in students.

Do you get cords for honors classes in high school?

Typically, honor cords are awarded based on academic achievements such as high GPA, graduation with honors, or membership in specific academic societies.

What are the rules for graduation tassels?

For a high school graduation ceremony, tassels should be worn on the right side of the graduation cap before the ceremony. Once directed by the graduation speaker or diploma presenter, the tassel will be moved from the right to the left, which signifies that you have earned your high school diploma.

What did Jesus say about tassels?

Matthew 23:5 also has Jesus saying: But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.