Why do people wear mortarboards?

The mortarboard, better known as the “graduation cap” or “Oxford cap” has been a part of traditional academic attire since the 1800s, though some believe it dates back as early as the 1300s in Europe when university professors, often members of the clergy, would wear long gowns and caps to stay warm while teaching in ...

What is the significance of the mortarboard?

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. The distinctive square shape of a mortarboard is believed to signify a book, chosen in recognition of scholarly achievements.

What is the point of a mortar board hat?

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.

What does the mortarboard symbolize?

The origins of the mortarboard can be traced back to the medieval era. Scholars in the 14th and 15th centuries wore similar headgear, which gradually evolved into the iconic cap we recognize today. Its adoption by universities and educational institutions further solidified its status as a symbol of learning.

What is a mortar board used for?

a board, usually square, used by masons to hold mortar. Also called cap. a cap with a close-fitting crown surmounted by a stiff, flat, square piece from which a tassel hangs, worn as part of academic costume.

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

Who wears a mortar board?

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 a big deal?

Recognition. Mortar Board members are known on their campuses for their achievements and leadership abilities. They also form meaningful connections with faculty, administrators and other campus leaders.

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.

What is another name for a mortar board?

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 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.

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 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.

Why do you wear a graduation cap and gown?

This original European academic style was pervasive throughout the centuries and even into colonial America. After the Civil War, academic regalia was reserved strictly for graduation. For that reason, the cap and gown symbolize recognition and achievement.

Why do teachers wear hoods at graduation?

Hoods. A graduation hood is a key component of academic regalia that signifies the wearer's degree and discipline through its length, lining, and velvet trim color.

What is black mortarboard?

Our premium black felt mortarboards (also known as a graduation cap or trencher cap) have been designed for use at graduation ceremonies in Australia. These graduation mortarboards feature a soft foam-lined cup and special internal elastic strap to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

What to do with graduation cords after graduation?

If you want to showcase your cords, you can create a shadow box or a graduation memorabilia display. Frame your cords, diploma, graduation photo, or other graduation-related items to create a personalized keepsake that you can proudly hang on a wall. This way, you could find a way to perpetuate your accomplishment.

What is the origin of graduation mortarboard?

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.

Do 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.

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.

Do bachelors get hoods?

While not all Bachelor's degrees come with hoods, some academic traditions, particularly in certain disciplines or institutions, incorporate the use of hoods for Bachelor's graduates.

Do masters degrees get hooded?

The masters hood measures a little larger than the bachelors and smaller than the doctoral hood. The inward covering demonstrates the foundation that granted the degree, and the velvet shading band means the field investigation of the degree.

Is it hard to get into mortar board?

Membership is selective. A candidate must meet all selection criteria by achievement, not potential. Your chapter must gain approval of its candidates from the Mortar Board National Office before tapping them. There are seven steps that every Mortar Board chapter follows to have selection success.

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.