What Is The Tradition Of Graduation Cap?

The Tradition of Graduation Cap: A Journey Through Time and Symbolism

The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, is an iconic symbol of academic achievement that has been worn for centuries. Its unique shape and design have evolved over time, carrying with it a rich history and profound significance. In this article, we will delve into the tradition of the graduation cap, exploring its origins, symbolism, and the emotions it evokes in graduates.

The Origins of the Graduation Cap

The antecedents of the graduation cap can be traced back to medieval Europe. During the 12th and 13th centuries, universities began to emerge as centers of higher learning. Students at these universities, known as scholars or clerics, wore simple caps made of cloth or leather to protect their heads from the cold and drafts of unheated buildings. These caps, called pilei, were often square or round and had a tassel attached to the top.

Over time, the pileus evolved into the biretta, a soft, square cap with four peaks that symbolized the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. The biretta became the standard headgear for university students and professors throughout Europe.

The Development of the Mortarboard

In the 16th century, the biretta began to take on a more rigid shape, with the addition of a flat, square top. This new design resembled the board used by masons to spread mortar, hence the name “mortarboard.” The mortarboard quickly gained popularity as a graduation cap, and by the 18th century, it had become the standard headgear for graduates in many countries.

The Symbolism of the Graduation Cap

The graduation cap holds deep symbolic significance for graduates. The square top represents the foundation of knowledge and wisdom acquired through education. The tassel, which is typically black or gold, symbolizes the completion of studies and the transition to a new chapter in life.

The tassel is also a symbol of hope and optimism. As graduates toss their caps into the air, they release their fears and anxieties and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. The cap serves as a reminder that they are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The Emotions Evoked by the Graduation Cap

For graduates, the graduation cap is not merely a piece of attire but an object imbued with powerful emotions. It represents years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. When graduates don their caps, they experience a sense of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude.

The cap also evokes nostalgia and a bittersweet farewell to student life. As graduates move on to the next stage of their lives, the cap serves as a tangible reminder of the friendships, experiences, and lessons learned during their academic journey.

Conclusion

The graduation cap is a timeless symbol of academic achievement, carrying with it a rich history and profound significance. Its unique shape and design evoke emotions of pride, accomplishment, gratitude, nostalgia, and hope. As graduates don their caps, they embark on a new chapter in their lives, armed with the knowledge, wisdom, and aspirations that will guide them through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Questions and Answers

1. When did the graduation cap first appear?
Answer: The antecedents of the graduation cap can be traced back to medieval Europe in the 12th and 13th centuries.

2. What is the significance of the tassel on the graduation cap?
Answer: The tassel symbolizes the completion of studies and the transition to a new chapter in life. It also represents hope and optimism for the future.

3. Why is the graduation cap called a “mortarboard”?
Answer: In the 16th century, the graduation cap took on a more rigid shape, with the addition of a flat, square top. This new design resembled the board used by masons to spread mortar, hence the name “mortarboard.”

4. What emotions do graduates typically experience when wearing their graduation caps?
Answer: Graduates typically experience feelings of pride, accomplishment, gratitude, nostalgia, and hope.

5. How has the design of the graduation cap changed over time?
Answer: The graduation cap has evolved from a simple cloth or leather cap to a more rigid mortarboard with a flat, square top and a tassel. The design has also varied in terms of color and ornamentation.