What does graduation cap symbolize?

Both cap and gown are symbols. According to legend, the privilege of wearing a cap was the initial right of a freed Roman slave. The academic cap, therefore, has become a sign of the freedom of scholarship.

What is the story behind graduation hats?

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.

What does a shape of a graduation cap mean?

Today, American graduates in law, medicine, and philosophy still wear rounded caps, but undergraduates have firmly claimed the square cap—often called a mortarboard since they resemble the square tray bricklayers use when applying mortar.

What does graduation symbolize?

Graduation represents the culmination of a journey and the attainment of a goal. It is an exciting period in a person's life and an array of feelings will surface for the graduate.

What does a cap and gown represent?

After the Civil War, academic regalia was reserved strictly for graduation. For that reason, the cap and gown symbolize recognition and achievement. While hoods are no longer in use for warmth, they remain in use as a decorative piece representing one's field of study.

Muslim Origins of Graduation Gown & Cap | Islam's Influence on the West

What is the tradition of graduation cap and gown?

The graduation cap and gown date back to England. In the late 1800s, colors were assigned to signify certain areas of study. At both the high school and college level, students wear a traditional long gown and cap in their school colors (or just black).

Why is the graduation gown important?

Introducing a gown and a hood was for the purpose of keeping students warm. Historians also believe that gowns and hoods were introduced in order to distinguish students' religious and scholarly status from the laypeople of the town in which they studied.

What does the Bible say about graduation?

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives but we must be willing to seek it out. This is one of the most important graduation Bible verses to keep in mind, as it can serve as a true encouragement for graduates to trust God with the next phase of their lives.

Why is graduation so emotional?

Leaving behind a familiar environment: Graduating means leaving behind the familiar environment of school or university, which may have been your home for several years. You may feel nostalgic about the memories you've made and the friends you've met.

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.

Is it OK to decorate graduation cap?

First and foremost, make sure you're allowed to decorate your cap. Most local schools allow you to but every school has its own policy.

Should you throw your graduation cap?

Some schools embrace the tradition, while others have banned cap-tossing altogether. Several institutions have taken a middle ground stance, giving graduates soft caps to prevent injuries (the corners on traditional caps are sharp!).

What are the rules for graduation hats?

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 is a graduation cap called?

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.

Why do graduation caps have tassels?

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.

Why do parents cry at graduation?

As parents, we invest so much in our children. Even as we celebrate their accomplishments, I think it is a normal human emotion to also acknowledge the personal loss of not having that person in the house every day, knowing we likely will never have that much concentrated time together with him again.”

Why do people cry at graduation?

Major studies on why people cry are few and far between. Anecdotally, parents attribute grad-time tears to pride, relief, and joy for all their kids have accomplished.

Why do I cry after graduation?

Life stressors and transitions like graduation cause separation anxiety. Feeling a sense of loss and mourning your “old” life can make it difficult to adjust to your new situation. Even when you feel positive about new independence, it's normal to develop anxiety and/or depression as you get used to your circumstances.

What is a good graduation verse?

Isaiah 40:29-31

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are graduation gifts a thing?

College graduation gifts are the perfect way to wish the young adults in your life good luck as they start life after college. Cash gifts are always welcome (and pretty common), but thoughtful gift-givers might want to pick a college graduation gift that's a little more personalized—but still just as useful.

What is the religious thing before graduation?

Traditionally, a baccalaureate was a religious service held the Sunday before graduation, but in modern times it doesn't necessarily have a religious meaning.

Are you supposed to keep your graduation gown?

Some people throw away the cap and gown and keep the tassel as a keepsake. Some have the cap and tassel framed. Some save the cap and gown for a Halloween costume. Perhaps, it could be donated to a graduate , the following year, who can't afford one.

Why do masters students get hooded?

After your degree is conferred, move the tassel to the left. The master's hood is a modern interpretation of the hooded robes worn by medieval monks who taught in the early universities. The monks would use their hoods to keep warm in the winters and also to collect alms.

Why do people wear flowers at graduation?

A lei is seen as a symbol of pride and accomplishment and a reminder of the bond between the giver and receiver. It also means good luck, hope, and joy for the graduate's future. This practice has a long and rich history in Hawaiian culture, but it is now widespread in other parts of the country and the world.

Who invented the graduation cap?

Introduction of Modern-Day 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.