Graduation ceremonies are significant milestones in the educational journey of students, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Among the most recognizable symbols of these ceremonies are the graduation caps and gowns worn by graduates. But what are these traditional garments called, and what is their significance? In this article, we will delve into the history, components, and cultural importance of graduation caps and gowns, exploring their names and the traditions they embody.
Introduction to Academic Regalia
The term “academic regalia” refers to the traditional clothing worn by students, faculty, and administrators during academic ceremonies, particularly graduations. This regalia includes the cap, gown, and sometimes a hood. Each component of the academic regalia has a specific name and significance, reflecting the wearer’s level of academic achievement, field of study, and institution.
Components of Academic Regalia
The academic regalia primarily consists of three parts: the cap, the gown, and the hood. Understanding the names and roles of these components is essential to appreciating the tradition and symbolism behind academic regalia.
The Cap
The cap is commonly referred to as a mortarboard due to its flat, square top. It is typically made of a firm material to maintain its shape and has a tassel attached to the top center. The tassel is a significant part of the cap, as its color can indicate the field of study or the level of degree being awarded. During the graduation ceremony, the movement of the tassel from one side of the cap to the other symbolizes the transition from student to graduate.
The Gown
The gown is the robe worn by graduates, faculty, and administrators. Its design can vary based on the level of degree being awarded. For example, bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates often wear gowns with pointed sleeves, while doctoral candidates wear gowns with bell-shaped sleeves. The color of the gown can also signify the type of degree or the institution awarding it.
The Hood
The hood is worn over the gown and is specific to the degree level and field of study. It is a crucial part of doctoral and some master’s regalia. The hood’s lining colors represent the institution awarding the degree, while the outer velvet edge signifies the field of study. The length and width of the hood also distinguish between different levels of degrees.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The tradition of wearing academic regalia dates back to the medieval period in Europe, where scholars wore long, flowing robes to signify their affiliation with the university. Over time, the design and components of the regalia evolved, incorporating elements that distinguish between different levels of academic achievement and fields of study.
Symbolism and Tradition
Each part of the academic regalia carries symbolic meaning. The color of the gown and the trim can signify the institution or the field of study, while the hood’s velvet edge represents the discipline. The act of wearing academic regalia serves as a visual representation of academic accomplishment and unity among graduates and faculty.
Modern Practices and Variations
Today, academic regalia varies significantly across institutions and countries. While some universities adhere strictly to traditional designs and colors, others have introduced modern elements or specific regalia for certain disciplines. For instance, some institutions include custom-designed regalia that reflects their unique history or cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Graduation caps and gowns, collectively known as academic regalia, are more than just traditional garments worn during ceremonies. They are symbols of academic achievement, discipline, and the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Understanding the names and significance of each component of the regalia—such as the mortarboard cap, the gown with its varying sleeve types, and the hood with its distinctive colors and design—appreciates the rich history and cultural importance of these traditions. As graduates move their tassels and don their regalia, they not only mark their transition into a new phase of life but also become part of a long-standing academic tradition that transcends borders and generations.
Given the complexity and the significance of academic regalia, it’s essential to approach the selection and wearing of these garments with an understanding of their historical and cultural context, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive and evolve.
In the context of graduations and academic ceremonies, the precise terminology and understanding of what graduation caps and gowns are called can enhance the appreciation and respect for the academic achievements being celebrated. Whether it’s the mortarboard, the gown, or the hood, each element of the academic regalia plays a vital role in the ceremonial attire that graduates and academics wear with pride.
What is the origin of graduation caps and gowns?
The tradition of wearing graduation caps and gowns dates back to the 12th century, when universities in Europe, particularly Oxford and Cambridge, began using academic regalia to signify academic achievement. The gowns, which were initially worn by clerics and scholars, were a symbol of humility and piety, while the hoods, which were attached to the gowns, indicated the level of academic degree conferred. Over time, the design and colors of the regalia evolved to reflect the specific institution, degree, and field of study.
In the United States, the use of academic regalia became widespread in the late 19th century, with the establishment of the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume in 1895. This code standardized the design and colors of academic regalia, ensuring that institutions across the country used similar attire for their graduates. Today, graduation caps and gowns, also known as academic regalia, are an integral part of commencement ceremonies, signifying the achievement of a significant academic milestone. The colors, designs, and styles of the regalia vary depending on the institution, degree, and field of study, making each set of regalia unique and meaningful to the graduate.
What are the different parts of a graduation cap and gown called?
A graduation cap and gown, also known as academic regalia, consists of several parts, each with its own specific name and significance. The cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a square-shaped hat with a flat top and a tassel attached to it. The gown, which is typically made of a heavy, black material, has a hood attached to it, which indicates the level of academic degree conferred. The hood is lined with the colors of the institution and the field of study, adding an extra layer of meaning to the regalia.
The other part of the regalia is the stole or sash, which is sometimes worn over the gown. The stole or sash can represent the graduate’s field of study, academic achievement, or membership in a particular organization. Some institutions also use cords or medallions to signify academic honors or achievements. Overall, the different parts of a graduation cap and gown work together to create a cohesive and meaningful ensemble that celebrates the graduate’s academic achievement and affiliation with their institution.
What is the significance of the colors used in graduation caps and gowns?
The colors used in graduation caps and gowns are an essential part of the academic regalia, as they convey significant information about the graduate’s degree, field of study, and institution. The colors of the hood lining, for example, indicate the field of study, with different colors representing different disciplines, such as arts, sciences, or engineering. The colors of the gown and cap, on the other hand, typically represent the institution, with many universities using their official colors for their regalia.
The use of colors in academic regalia is governed by a set of rules and guidelines, which ensure consistency and accuracy across institutions. The Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume, for example, provides a standardized system for using colors in academic regalia, making it easier for graduates and institutions to select the correct colors for their regalia. Overall, the colors used in graduation caps and gowns add an extra layer of meaning and significance to the academic regalia, making it a unique and meaningful symbol of academic achievement.
How do graduation caps and gowns vary across institutions?
Graduation caps and gowns can vary significantly across institutions, reflecting the unique history, traditions, and values of each university or college. Some institutions, for example, use distinctive colors or designs for their regalia, while others may use specific types of fabric or embroidery. The style and cut of the gown can also vary, with some institutions opting for a more modern or streamlined design, while others prefer a more traditional or formal look.
The variations in graduation caps and gowns across institutions serve as a way to differentiate and distinguish one university or college from another. They also provide an opportunity for graduates to express their pride and affiliation with their institution, as well as their field of study. Moreover, the unique features of each institution’s regalia can become an integral part of the graduate’s identity and sense of accomplishment, making the graduation ceremony an even more meaningful and memorable experience.
What is the proper way to wear a graduation cap and gown?
The proper way to wear a graduation cap and gown involves several key steps, which ensure that the regalia is worn correctly and with dignity. First, the gown should be put on over the graduate’s clothes, with the zipper or buttons fastened at the back. The hood, which is typically attached to the gown, should be draped over the graduate’s shoulders, with the lining facing outwards. The cap, or mortarboard, should be placed on the graduate’s head, with the tassel hanging down on the right side.
When wearing the regalia, graduates should ensure that the gown is not too tight or too loose, and that the hood is not twisted or uneven. The cap should be worn at a slight angle, with the tassel hanging down on the right side. During the ceremony, graduates typically shift the tassel from the right side to the left side, signifying the transition from candidate to graduate. Overall, wearing the graduation cap and gown with pride and dignity is an essential part of the commencement ceremony, and graduates should take care to follow the proper protocols and traditions.
Can graduation caps and gowns be customized or personalized?
Graduation caps and gowns can be customized or personalized to reflect the graduate’s individuality and achievement. Some institutions, for example, offer customized regalia with the graduate’s name, degree, or field of study embroidered on the gown or hood. Others may provide options for personalized stoles or sashes, which can be worn over the gown to represent the graduate’s academic achievements or affiliations.
Customizing or personalizing the graduation cap and gown can make the regalia even more meaningful and special for the graduate. It can also provide an opportunity for graduates to express their personality and style, as well as their pride and affiliation with their institution. However, it’s essential to check with the institution beforehand to ensure that any customization or personalization meets their guidelines and regulations. Additionally, graduates should be mindful of the costs and logistical implications of customizing or personalizing their regalia, as these may vary depending on the institution and the vendor.
What happens to graduation caps and gowns after the ceremony?
After the graduation ceremony, the caps and gowns are typically returned to the vendor or institution, unless the graduate has purchased their own regalia. Some institutions may offer graduates the option to keep their regalia as a memento of their academic achievement, while others may require the regalia to be returned. In some cases, graduates may choose to frame or display their regalia as a keepsake, serving as a reminder of their academic journey and achievement.
The regalia that is returned to the vendor or institution is usually cleaned, inspected, and prepared for reuse in future graduation ceremonies. This helps to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the regalia. Some vendors and institutions may also offer recycling or donation programs for used regalia, providing an opportunity for graduates to give back to their community or support sustainable practices. Overall, the post-ceremony handling of graduation caps and gowns reflects the institution’s commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and responsible resource management.