Why do graduates wear caps?

Asked by: Dr. Cordia Rowe  |  Last update: December 19, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (5 votes)

So why do people wear long black robes and mortarboard hats for graduation ceremonies? The tradition of caps and gowns dates back to the Middle Ages at Oxford in England when academic buildings were not heated, and students and teachers wore hooded gowns daily to stay warm.

What is the point of the graduation hat?

It is traditionally associated with the successful completion of a degree, tertiary education, formal academia, and scholarly achievement. It is customary for a graduand to tip their hat in salutation (also referred to as 'doffing'), in respect to other academics and scholars.

Why do graduates wear square caps?

Scholars believe the mortarboard is based on the biretta, a similar hat worn by Roman Catholic clergy. The biretta was commonly worn in the 14th and 15th centuries by students and artists.

Why do graduates decorate their caps?

Not only does decorating graduation caps allow seniors to add a unique aspect to their graduation uniform, but it also encourages them to spend time with one another during their final weeks of high school.

Why do only female graduates wear caps?

However, some research provided the most probable explanation for the restriction: the rule stating that men could not wear the cap indoors necessitated constant carrying, and they became more likely to damage or even lose the cap in the course of their graduation day.

Why Do Graduates Wear Caps and Gowns and Judges Wear Robes?

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Do diploma graduates wear caps?

Higher Certificate and Diploma students do not get capped and are not required to wear caps during graduation ceremonies. Higher Certificate and Diploma Gowns are short-sleeved. Degree and Postgraduate students will be capped, therefore should have a cap for the ceremony.

What is the history of graduation caps and gowns?

Caps and Gowns

Graduation gowns evolved from the long clerics' garments worn by medieval scholars as far back as the 12th century, according to the American Council on Education's guide to academic regalia.

Where did the tradition of graduation caps come from?

Many scholars believe the mortarboard style cap graduates don was developed from the biretta, a similar-looking Italian hat worn by Roman Catholic clergy. In the 12th and 13th centuries, students and teachers typically wore clerical clothing because the church was highly influential at this time.

When did graduation caps become a thing?

Today, the most traditional style of graduation hat is the mortarboard cap. 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.

What are the things on graduation caps called?

For schools where the graduation regalia is rented or borrowed by the student, the tassel might be a part of the rental or provided separately. Some schools that do not provide a tassel for graduates to keep may offer a souvenir tassel that is not worn with the regalia.

Why do graduates turn the tassel?

The graduation tassel is a symbol of success. Some believe the reason why you place the tassel on the right is because you have earned the right to graduate. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of crossing over from high school (or college) to another stage in your life.

Why do teachers wear gowns at graduation?

College Commencement is arguably the most important day of the academic calendar. Graduates dress up in caps and gowns, while faculty wears graduation regalia that signifies their academic standing.

What is a graduation gown called?

Academic regalia, also known as the “cap and gown,” varies according to the degree conferred and the level of scholarship attained. The bachelor's gown is a simple robe that covers the entire body. The master's gown has longer, closed sleeves.

Can you keep your graduation hat?

We always recommend that after certain graduation traditions, such as the throwing of your graduation cap, you retrieve your graduation cap for keepsake. We also always recommend removing your graduation tassel before throwing your cap, so at the very least, you will have a tassel as a keepsake.

Why not to decorate graduation cap?

While graduation cap decoration may be fun at times, it is extremely important that you avoid anything that is inappropriate. You want to show pride in yourself as well as your accomplishments. Don't decorate your cap with any inappropriate items or words that may cost you walking in line to receive your diploma.

What is the PHD cap called?

Academic caps include the mortarboard, velvet tams, and Beefeater. Velvet tams are ordinarily worn by faculty members with doctoral degrees. These doctoral tams are available in your choice of 4 - or 6 - or 8 sided models.

What is a degree coat called?

Cape or Hood – In most universities capes are commonly used for undergraduates/bachelor's degree students, meanwhile hoods are commonly used for graduate students (master/doctoral) and academic staff. A cape/hood is also colour-coded according to the field of study/faculty.

What does the cap and gown symbolize?

The cap and gown are not just traditional attire, but they are also a symbol of pride, achievement, and success. Wearing regalia during graduation signifies the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that it takes to complete a college degree.

What is the history of the turning of the tassel?

While widely recognized today, the turning of the tassel is not technically a written tradition. It is likely that the tassel tradition began as a way to symbolize the receipt of a diploma for high school students who do not receive a hood.

What is the history of graduation ceremony?

Ceremonies for graduating students date from the first universities in Europe in the twelfth century. At that time Latin was the language of scholars. A universitas was a guild of masters (such as MAs) with licence to teach. "Degree" and "graduate" come from gradus, meaning "step".

Who created graduation caps?

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. They realized that fiberglass could increase the mortarboard stiffness, leading to the iconic graduation cap.

Do diploma graduates wear caps in South Africa?

Diplomands. You must wear an academic gown and a neckband. Diploma candidates do not wear a cap.

What Colour is a graduation cap?

Classic Bachelor Graduation Caps & Tassels

Graduation caps & tassels play an important role at the graduates' commencement. Bachelor academic cap is square black with a black tassel in the center, which contains the meaning of books (representing knowledge).

What do 3 stripes on a graduation gown mean?

The bachelor's gown is a simple robe that covers the entire body. The master's gown has longer, closed sleeves. The doctoral robe usually is the most elaborate; it is made of velvet, has three stripes on the arms, and includes a hood.

Who wears red graduation gown?

For graduate hoods and academic regalia colors, red or shades of red are used to designate the degree or discipline of Canon Law, Communications, Conservation, Divinity, Forestry, Journalism, Music, Public Health, Sacred Theology, and Theology.