What do Americans call a mortar board?

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.

What is a mortar board also known as?

The square academic cap, graduate cap, cap, mortarboard (because of its similarity in appearance to the mortarboard used by brickmasons to hold mortar) or Oxford cap is an item of academic dress consisting of a horizontal square board fixed upon a skull-cap, with a tassel attached to the centre.

What is the proper name for a graduation cap?

Mortarboard. This is the quintessential graduation cap. Many believe the name is inspired by the board where bricklayers place their mortar. Bachelor degree recipients wear this cap on graduation day, and most mortarboards are black, along with the gown.

Why do they call it a mortarboard?

However, the name mortarboard actually comes from the flat board used by bricklayers to lay mortar. Thus, the name of the widely accepted graduation hat also represents the mortar board of a master workman.

What is the difference between a mortarboard cap and a tam?

Tams are high-quality graduation cap used in place of the standard mortarboard. They are made of a high-end black velvet material with a soft poof-like top. The standard mortarboard is a polyester encased cardboard square that sits on top of the head.

Pomp and circumstance: a History of the Mortarboard

Is a tam a Scottish cap?

A tam o' shanter (in the British military often abbreviated to ToS) or "tammie" is a name given to the traditional Scottish bonnet worn by men. The name derives from Tam o' Shanter, the eponymous hero of the 1790 Robert Burns poem.

What is another name for a tam hat?

The tam is a millinery design for women based on the tam o' shanter military cap and the beret. Sometimes it is also known as a tam cap or the traditional term tam o'shanter might also be used.

Why do only female graduates wear caps?

There are a few reasons why only female graduates wear caps. First, it is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Second, caps are seen as a symbol of intelligence and success, and female graduates have worked hard to earn their degrees.

What is a graduation hat called UK?

The academic cap or square, commonly known as the mortarboard, has come to be symbolic of academia. In some universities it can be worn by graduates and undergraduates alike. It is a flat square hat with a tassel suspended from a button in the top center of the board.

Is mortar board prestigious?

Mortar Board is a prestigious honor society that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service among college students.

Why do graduates wear a mortarboard?

While the ways in which we observe graduation may change, the iconic four-cornered black hat will likely remain a sort of cultural shorthand for academic accomplishment—a symbol of celebration with roots going back to medieval Europe.

Why do graduates throw their caps?

Throwing the Cap

Tossing the graduation cap in the air was started by the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912. The graduates would spend two years as midshipmen and had to always wear a designated hat. Once the graduation ended, the midshipman would become officers and would no longer need their old hats.

Which side do you wear a tassel on graduation?

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 is the difference between a mortar board and a bonnet?

Mortar boards, also called trenchers, graduation hats or caps, have a sculpted crown which goes over the head, topped by a square shaped board and tassel attached to the top of the cap. Graduation bonnets, also called Tudor bonnets or PhD hats, are generally made using velvet and are lined with satin.

How do you wear a mortar board?

How do you wear a mortarboard? Wear your mortarboard like the academic pro you are. Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

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.

What is a PhD graduation hat called?

The Doctoral Tam: The academic tam is a hat worn with the gown and hood. It is usually made of black velvet and features a tassel in a specific color that represents the degree being conferred. For example, a blue tassel signifies a PhD degree, while a gold tassel signifies an EdD degree.

What is a mortarboard symbol?

Symbol – A mortarboard, an ancient symbol of honor and distinction, represents the organization. Many early scholars adopted the clerical or monastic robes as a symbol, illustrating their devotion to learning. Colors – Gold (representing achievement) and silver (symbolizing opportunity).

Why are graduates hooded?

The hooding ceremony is a unique recognition of the achievement of each student who has earned a doctorate or final master's degree. Each doctoral candidate is introduced individually during the ceremony. You will have your hood placed on you in front of the stage on the field.

Why don t Newcastle graduates wear hats?

However, it's rumored in Geordie legend that it was in fact the hats of Durham students that were pinched and chucked in the water. Either way, this kick-started the deprivation of head gear at Newc graduations. River Tyne. Full of hat-fish.

What do the Colours mean on graduation gowns UK?

Bachelors and masters gowns are black, with a draping known as a hood. The colours in your hood depend on your award. If you are graduating with a BA, BSc or BEng degree you will have a hood in a colour called University red, in lighter and darker shades.

What is a fancy ladies hat called?

A fascinator is a formal headpiece, a style of millinery.

What is a wool hat slang?

Definition of 'woolhat'

2. an unsophisticated or conservative person.

What is the English name for fancy hat?

Fedora, Trilby, Panama,Bowler, Flatcap,Homburg, Beanie,Boater,Balmoral,Beret,Busby, Deerstalker,Tophat,Tam-0-Shanter, …. then Fascinators,Sinamay, Derby,Cloche,for the ladies. These are some that have been worn during the ages and at different places in the Empire.