A graduate celebrates their graduation with a cap and gown. What is the significance of each piece? Read on to discover the other parts of a graduation gown! Learn about hoods, stoles, tassels, cap and gown and many more graduation products.
Graduates wear a cap and gown to celebrate their graduation.
The traditional attire of graduates has a long history. The cap and gown were first worn during the 12th and 13th centuries by clergy and scholars to distinguish them as scholars. In addition, graduation gowns provided added warmth in cold buildings and helped students remain visible among peers. Graduation gowns were also used for ceremonial purposes, such as graduation balls. The tradition was eventually brought to the United States by prestigious academic institutions.
Graduates wear a cap and gown to commemorate their achievements. The cap is flat and decorated with a tassel. Graduates wear their cap before the ceremony, while the tassel is placed on their left side when they receive their diploma. The graduation ceremony also includes a particular graduation song. In addition to the graduation song, commencement ceremonies typically feature an essential speaker for the graduates.
They wear a hood
The reason they wear a hood on a graduation dress is not as simple as one might think. Hoods were originally alms bags worn around the necks of medieval scholars. They also kept their heads warm. In addition to being an essential piece of academic attire, hoods had other purposes. Some historians think the gown was worn to keep graduates warm in unheated buildings. However, if you are unsure of its exact meaning, let us guide you.
To properly wear a hood on a graduation dress, you need to know how to attach it properly. Before connecting the hood, look at how it’s supposed to look. First, you need to attach the hood cord to a button placed inside the gown. Look for the button on the left side next to the zipper. When you have fastened the cord, you can attach the hood to the graduation gown.
They wear a stole
The traditional cap and gown and graduation stole can seem outdated and cookie-cutter. Your grandparents likely wore the same outfit when they graduated. If you want to make a statement at graduation, why not get a custom-designed stole?
Clergy initially wore steals to show dignified status. Graduates of English colleges wore them to honor scholars. The idea of wearing a stole with a graduation gown is relatively westernized, but graduates of other cultures have done so in different ways. One of the most significant differences between a traditional graduation gown and a modern one is the style of the stole. Graduates in the United States often wear black or red graduation gowns, while graduates from African countries often wear stoles with kente cloth designs.
They wear a tassel
Graduation gowns are often decorated with tassels. Students wear graduation tassels with academic achievements, including those in the top 5% and 10% of their class. They are also worn by students who have earned valedictorian awards or obtained other academic regalia. In addition, graduation gowns are often decorated with tassels in school colors.
Tassels on a graduation gown traditionally start on the right side and turn to the left side as students receive their diplomas. Graduation tassels for undergraduates begin on the right side of the cap and are moved to the left side when the certificates are accepted. The order of turning the tassel varies by school. The principal may announce that all graduates have completed the ceremony before turning in their tassels. Graduate students wear tassels on both sides of the gown.
They wear a dress
Traditionally, graduates wear a graduation gown. This formal attire dates back to the 12th century in Europe. The clergy usually wore the hood and gown, but students quickly adopted this style to distinguish themselves as scholars and stay warm. Later, prestigious academic institutions began wearing these uniforms at graduation ceremonies. Today, many graduates wear graduation gowns to celebrate their achievement and a sense of accomplishment.
The materials used for academic dress vary greatly. Some are very inexpensive, while others are quite expensive. Bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates often receive souvenir regalia made from artificial synthetic fiber or polyester. Even doctoral graduates sometimes rent graduation regalia for the occasion, and these gowns are usually made from cheap polyester or manufactured fiber. They are rarely made from actual silk or Russell cord. In some cases, synthetic silk or Russell cord is used in the graduation gown.
They wear a skirt
When graduates celebrate the end of their studies, they may wear a skirt, and it looks great. However, while the dress adds a layer of warmth, it should still be worn with light undergarments. In the past, the gown served as a medieval overcoat. Therefore, wearing light layers underneath the gown is the best choice during hot days. During colder months, it’s appropriate to remove additional layers and wear a cardigan.
When graduates graduate, they may choose to wear a graduation gown or cassock. However, the graduands typically wear the academic dress associated with their degree. In the UK, some older universities have distinct traditions regarding the style of the gown, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and St Andrews. In the United States, Columbia University developed the rules of academic dress, which spread to other universities, including Harvard and Stanford. However, the Harvard doctoral gown does not follow the American Council on Education’s rules.