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 is the origin of throwing the graduation cap?

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.

What do graduation hats 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.

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.

Why do they cap you at graduation?

It is traditionally associated with the successful completion of a degree, tertiary education, formal academia, and scholarly achievement.

History of the Graduation Cap and Gown — Graduation Traditions | K12

Who came up with graduation caps?

Introduction of Modern-Day Graduation Caps

During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was called a “corner-cap”. 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.

What is the history of graduation cap and gown?

Graduation Cap and Gown History: Medieval Times

The most prevalent style is the mortarboard cap which pairs with standard graduation gowns. These caps are believed to have been developed in the 15^th century evolving from hats known as birettas used by Catholic clerics, scholars, and professors.

What happens if you don t have a cap and gown for graduation?

If cost is an issue, there may be help available or you may be able to borrow one from someone who graduated last semester or year, but most schools and colleges will fefuse to seat you if you do not have a cap and gown on. You can pick up your diploma later, likely the next business day, or have it mailed.

Where did the cap and gown tradition come from?

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.

Where does the tradition of graduates wearing the cap and gown come from?

The modern gown is derived from the roba worn under the cappa clausa, a garment resembling a long black cape. In early medieval times, all students at the universities were in at least minor orders, and were required to wear the cappa or other clerical dress, and restricted to clothes of black or other dark colour.

What is the proper name for a graduation cap?

According to this theory, the cap was named after the mortar-like mixture of sawdust and resin used to stiffen the cap. Regardless of its origins, the name "mortarboard" has become synonymous with the graduation cap and is now used interchangeably with the term "academic cap."

What is it called when you move your tassel at graduation?

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 is the black graduation hat called?

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 do tassels around neck mean at graduation?

An honor cord is a token consisting of twisted cords with tassels on either end awarded to members of honor societies or for various academic and non-academic achievements, awards, or honors. Usually, cords come in pairs with a knot in the middle to hold them together.

What does the white scarf for graduation mean?

3) Different colors mean different things

White: Humanities, Arts, English, etc. Beige: Business. Green: Medicine, Pharmacy and Physical Education. Orange: Engineering.

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.

Who started the cap and gown for graduation?

While medieval European universities initially inspired the academic dress, the first recognized schools that officiated graduation attire were Oxford University and Cambridge University.

What do 2 stripes on a graduation gown mean?

Bachelor's degree—one stripe. Master's degree—two stripes. Doctoral degree—three stripes. One could then instantly recognize the achievements of the wearer of the robe.

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.

Is it OK not to wear a dress at graduation?

Although there is no dress code, many guests like to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni can often be seen donning Tech colors and gear, and sometimes international guests wear their country's traditional dress clothes.

Can you keep your graduation cap?

Save them as a keepsake

Saving one's cap and gown as a keepsake is probably the most common post-graduation purpose for them.

Do you get to keep your cap after graduation?

After graduation, what graduates do with their caps can vary widely, reflecting personal choices, creative expressions, or even traditions. Here are some common paths: Keep as a Souvenir: Many graduates keep their caps as mementos of their academic achievements and the memories associated with their schooling.

Why does everyone wear a white dress for graduation?

White graduation dresses can be traced back to an educational milestone in the 19th century. They were adopted as a symbol of purity and new beginnings for young women completing their studies. Today, they continue to convey a sense of youthful innocence and commencement into adulthood.

Do graduates keep their cap and 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 graduates wear flat caps?

Medieval fashion fights

By the 14th century, pileus caps were becoming taller and more cylindrical, similar to a modern chef's hat but shorter. This style, the pileus rotundus, was adopted mainly by university students studying law, medicine, and the sciences.