Graduation is always that special moment where years of taxing effort and scholarly prowess get the thorough rewards. The first thing that populates the confluence of minds and aspirations at such a time is the cap, famously Graduation caps called the mortarboard, a square-shaped cap. So why do we wear these squares on our heads, and what do they symbolize?
A Brief History of the Graduation Cap
The cap representing graduation itself dates back to the medieval period, when scholars and clergy wore long robes and hoods, setting them apart as of a different ilk. However, the cap as known today is said to be traced from the biretta, a headgear worn by Catholic clerics and scholars in the Middle Ages, which was originally intended to signify scholarly interest and academic commitment.
Over time, this style was adopted by the universities. In the 14th century, it became a formal necessity for scholars and professors to don academic dresses that include the cap. Today, graduation caps are a universally accepted symbol of academic achievement that connects students to a history stretching over centuries.
Symbolism of the Graduation Cap
Achievement and Completion: The graduate cap signified the successful completion of a course of study. When graduates throw their caps up in the air, this marked the point when they were free from academics and into the next phase of life, be it a new career opportunity, seeking higher education, or personal growth.
Knowledge and Wisdom: Often, people refer to the square shape of the cap as a symbol of the mortarboard which a bricklayer used to carry and apply mortar, a metaphor for building one's future. Then it stands for knowledge-holding mortar that keeps bonding bricks of information, creating a good foundation in terms of career and future opportunities.
Tradition and Cohesion : These graduation caps will merge together graduates with tradition. No matter the discipline, graduation caps will be the best symbol that visually unifies the scholars. It is a shared milestone that cuts across geographical, cultural, as well as institutional differences. This creates a sense of belongingness and accomplishment that glues graduates across the past generations.
Transition: Graduation ceremonies are regarded as "commencements" rather than an end. It is through the donning of a graduation cap that a graduation marks a new stage, indicating readiness to face new challenges and opportunities from the graduating individual.
Tassel Meaning
Among the interesting graduation cap ornaments is a tassel that hangs from it. Traditionally, people wear their tassels on the right side of the cap before the ceremony. During the conferment of their degrees, they would Graduation caps then move the tassel to the left side. By itself, the little gesture exudes that complete transition from a student to a graduate-a full-fledged student in the real sense.
Conclusion
There is much more to the graduation cap than the mere ceremonial dressing. The history, meaning, and the tradition all depict hard work, persistence, and knowledge that is required in achieving a degree. The donning of Graduation caps the graduation cap signifies and connects each graduate into a long academic tradition, symbolizes what they have achieved, and marks the beginning of a new life cycle.
