Virtually every graduate Agrees that the day of Graduation is a big deal. It Represents years of hard work and Dedication for Students. Graduation is an iconic achievement, and perhaps one of the single most iconic emblems of it would be the graduation cap – whether you are graduating from high school, college, or any kind of school. Though simple in look and feel, the cap is a powerful symbol of academic achievement and life transition.

A History of the Graduation Cap

If we venture back into the early days of academia, the history of the graduation cap – known as a mortarboard – opens up. There are no firm documents, but most scholars agree that the graduation cap is an updated version of the medieval European clergy’s hat. In the Middle Ages, European universities were connected to the church, and many clergy would don a specific type of headwear to indicate that they had received an education.

The first documentation of the graduation cap as we know it today comes from 15th century Europe. In those days students would don hoods or caps in academic dress. These headgear were commonly of velvet or of some other form of luxurious material, and served indirectly as a badge of the student’s social standing in the university.

The cap we know today as the mortarboard took shape between the 16th and 17th centuries. Its squat, square appearance is said to derive from the mortarboards that masons would wear in the Middle Ages. The mason connection may well have symbolized the “building” of knowledge and intellectual edifice in the pattern of the development of the student’s mind.

How the Graduation Cap Evolved in Recent History

In a lot of respects, the traditional graduation cap has respected its roots by keeping the flat square shape and tassel that we see today. But graduation cap material, as well as colors and decorations, have changed a lot.

The role of the tassel, which is a signature part of the graduation cap, has also changed. It is almost always but not exclusively in the center of the cap and serves as the focus or apex of the cap. At Commencement graduates Typically shift the tassel on their gown From one side of the cap to the other which Symbolizes the movement from Student to graduate.

Symbolism of the Graduation Cap

The graduation cap represents more than just a hat – it is a symbol of hard work and dedication, of crossing a major milestone in a student’s life.

Not only is the graduation cap a symbol of scholastic success, but it’s also very much about the seriousness of the graduation ceremony. A cap is worn as a sign that the students realize the importance of the day, of the influence the school has had or will have on their lives and education, and of the tradition of the rite of passage of graduation.

The tassel has its symbolism. Now, here’s how we put it: “When graduates flip the tassel to the left, it signifies an official transition from candidate to graduate.

The Meaning of Colours and Ornaments

Several colors, designs and accessories can add extra meaning to the cap, gown or regalia candidates may wear for their graduation. Cap and gown color may vary between academic institutions or degree types.

At some universities, for instance, graduates may wear a distinctive gown corresponding to the specific academic field of study from which they graduated.

Others have personal preferences too like a predilection for certain colors or something entirely different he adds. The trend has been growing in popularity as more students see their cap as an opportunity to express themselves their achievements and who they are. Decoration can vary from simple patterns to complex artwork including quotes drawings or even photographs. Others however might want to use their mortarboard to mark an academic accomplishment thank friends and family or even advertise their aspirations.

Some schools even allow/encourage students to decorate their caps whereas some are strict on the academic ceremony-like dress code. These rules Exist to ensure the dignity of the event and Discourage deviations from the Ceremony’s primary Function of honouring the academic Accomplishments of all students to the same degree.

Graduation Cap Traditions From 23 Countries Across the Globe

The tradition of the graduation cap is common across the globe in acknowledging academic success however practices for wearing the cap also vary between countries.

In the U S as noted above the well known image for graduation is the mortarboard cap with tassel. The V formation has become a staple of graduation ceremonies in high schools colleges and universities nationwide.

In certain countries, the attire for a graduation toga does not include a cap. For instance, in a number of European nations, only a robe (or gown) is worn, without a cap.[35] Yet, the meaning of the graduation gown and the ceremony in general remains strong in these rituals.

Graduation Cap in Popular Culture

The academic cap has become commonly associated in popular culture with the widely held stereotype of the absent-minded professor. It’s a moment of triumph and it’s used in a way that strengthens the symbolism of it being a moment of victory triumph. The graduation cap is a go to symbol for achieving such an important life goal from classic Hollywood movies about students who rose above adversity to triumphant scenes in TV shows.

Throwing the cap in the air has become one of the most recognized pictures associated with graduation. The tradition is a way to commemorate the freedom and enthusiasm of the life that graduates have chosen to move on to after the throes of their schooldays.

The Graduation Cap of the Future

Graduation ceremonies change with the times, as the society around them has changed. Although the graduation cap is a significant symbol of scholastic success, with the evolution of the education industry and bay technology, the cap could be used differently in the future. A handful of schools have recently begun to consider virtual ceremonies, in which students would participate remotely, rather than in person. Whether the graduation cap will still be prominent in these virtual events is unclear yet whatever the guise of the graduation ceremony the symbolism of the cap will not doubt continue indefinitely.

 While graduates of all backgrounds alike celebrate their achievements finding a way to personalize one’s cap can add meaning and build a connection to an individual’s journey in higher education.

Conclusion

The mortarboard is a humble yet very important object. It represents accomplishment, legacy and the culmination of an academic career. Whether it’s a small graduation or a huge graduation, the cap is the central focus of everyone’s attention and has been since it was first worn, centuries ago, as a peak into medieval Europe. It is symbolic not only of Academic achievement but also of the Collaboration Persistence and community that are inherent in any Graduation ceremony. Whether sporting a tassel or Personalized with a sprinkle of personality the Mortarboard hat is a symbol of and a Testament to great achievement for all who worked hard to Realize their dreams.