Why do graduates flip their tassels?
Asked by: Devin Lakin PhD | Last update: October 22, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (23 votes)
Why Do We Turn The Tassel? Depending on your educational level, you may move the tassel left or right after graduating. 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.
What does it mean to flip the tassel?
There is a graduation tradition called the turning of the tassel. As tradition goes, there comes a time during the ceremony when the graduates are asked to flip their tassel from one side of their cap to another and this signifies the earning of a degree.
What does switching the tassel mean?
Generally here in the states tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved to the left side to indicate that the wearer has passed from one level of learning to another like a diploma at high school or undergraduate degree - but they stay on the left and don't move for a college ...
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.
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!
Why Do We Turn the Graduation Tassel? What Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On?
What do tassels symbolize?
In fact, though they have become a symbol of graduation, their use only became widespread within the last century or so, though cords have been used to represent levels and areas of education since the 14th century. Tassels originated simply as fashionable adornments for clothing and furniture.
What do different color graduation tassels mean?
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.
What is the best line after graduation?
- “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” — ...
- “There is no script. ...
- “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — ...
- “Follow your fear.” — ...
- “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” — ...
- “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” — ...
- “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” —
What to do with tassel after graduation?
A cute way to display your tassel after graduation is by putting it in an ornament. Although it may only be seen once a year, tassel ornaments are a great way to ensure it is safe from being damaged or lost. Simply purchase a clear ornament and delicately place your memory tassel inside and safely secure it. Voila!
What do tassels around neck mean at graduation?
A graduation rope, or honor cord, is worn to represent an achievement of the student or their participation in a specific group or study, which is identified by the color or colors of the cord.
What do graduates hold in their hands?
University and college graduates hold a diploma scroll, throw up a square academic cap, confetti. Happy graduation concept.
What does it mean to turn the tassel?
Depending on your educational level, you may move the tassel left or right after graduating. 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.
Why do you throw your hat when you graduate?
Transition from Student to Graduate: As graduates fling their caps into the air, it marks a poignant transition from the role of a student to that of a graduate. The tossing of the cap signifies the readiness to embrace new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities beyond the academic realm.
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 the highest graduation title?
The highest academic distinction is summa cum laude, followed by magna cum laude and cum laude.
How do you congratulate yourself on graduation?
- "I've climbed the mountain of knowledge, and now I stand on top, a graduate. ...
- "I came, I studied, I conquered. ...
- "Every late-night study session, every challenge conquered brings me here, a graduate.
What is the best graduating student called?
Valedictorian is the academic title conferred upon the highest ranked student among those graduating from an educational institution, typically based upon the highest grade point average. Salutatorian is the academic title conferred upon the second highest ranking student in the class.
What does the black 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.
What does a GREY graduation gown mean?
Grey gowns are worn for foundation degree students; black gowns are worn by bachelors students; red gowns are worn by masters students and the PhD students wear a doctoral gown which incorporates all three of the university colours.
Why do you flip the tassel from right to left?
The act of moving tassels serves as a visual representation of candidates officially being recognized as a graduate and recipient of his/her degree.
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.
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.