Graduation is a significant milestone, and the traditional attire worn during the ceremony carries deep symbolic meaning. From the cap and gown to the colours of the regalia, each element reflects the significance of this rite of passage. Let’s explore the five key symbolisms associated with graduation outfits.
1. The Cap and Gown: Equality and Unity
The cap and gown, or academic regalia, are steeped in tradition, dating back to the 12th century. Originally worn by scholars to stay warm in cold, unheated buildings, today, they represent equality and unity. When students don their gowns, they symbolise that despite diverse backgrounds, they stand together, equal in their academic achievements. This uniformity reinforces the idea that knowledge levels the playing field, putting everyone on an equal footing.
2. Graduation Colours: Academic Achievement and Discipline
The colours of the academic regalia aren’t arbitrary. They hold specific meanings tied to the field of study and the level of academic achievement. For instance, blue is often associated with philosophy, while green represents medicine. The colour black, typically used for gowns, symbolises the gravity and solemnity of the occasion.
3. The Graduation Hat: Tradition and Wisdom
Graduation hats, also known as the mortarboards, have a unique design that traces back to the biretta, a cap worn by Catholic clergy. Its square shape is thought to represent the mortarboard used by masons, symbolising the building blocks of education. Placing the hat on the head signifies the crowning of wisdom, a final piece of the puzzle in the educational journey.
4. Tassel Turning: Transition and Growth
The moment when graduates move their tassels from the right side to the left is laden with meaning. This simple gesture marks the transition from student to graduate, a symbolic act of crossing over into a new phase of life. It’s a tradition that highlights growth and the readiness to take on new challenges, embodying the essence of commencement.
5. Graduation Stoles and Cords: Honour and Achievement
Stoles and cords worn during graduation often represent individual honours, achievements, or affiliations. These embellishments are more than mere accessories; they symbolise excellence in academics, leadership, or service. Each stole or cord tells a story of hard work, dedication, and personal achievement, adding a layer of personal meaning to the graduation attire.
Graduation outfits are rich with symbolism, from the cap and gown’s unity and equality to the tassel’s transition and growth. These elements of graduation attire not only celebrate academic success but also honour the journey and the wisdom gained along the way.