The mortarboard hat!
The mortarboard hat is a traditional academic headgear that is typically worn by graduates at commencement ceremonies. It's a square cap with straight sides and a flat top, usually made of cardboard or fabric.
In the 17th century, it was common for university professors to wear a square cap as part of their formal attire. The mortarboard hat evolved from this tradition, becoming associated with academic achievement and graduation.
The name "mortarboard" comes from the resemblance of the hat's shape to a mortar, a tool used in construction and masonry. The hat is usually worn with a tassel attached to the side, which represents knowledge, wisdom, and academic achievement.
In modern times, the mortarboard hat has become an iconic symbol of graduation and academic accomplishment. It's often worn by students on their special day, along with their cap and gown, as they receive their diplomas and celebrate this important milestone.
Interestingly, some people believe that the mortarboard hat has a deeper significance. According to legend, the tassel is supposed to be turned to represent the direction one wants to take their life after graduation: forward (towards the future) or backward (in gratitude for the past).
A great topic!
In many universities and academic institutions, different graduation caps (or mortarboards) carry specific meanings or signify various achievements. Here are some common examples:
1. **Collegiate caps**: These are the most basic and common type of graduation cap. They are usually black or white with a tassel.
2. **Masters caps**: For master's degree graduates, the cap often has a slightly different design or color to distinguish it from undergraduate caps.
3. **Doctoral caps**: Doctoral students typically wear a more elaborate cap, often with a distinctive design or a hood to signify their higher level of academic achievement.
4. **Honor cords**: Some universities award honor cords to graduating students who have achieved certain academic honors, such as summa cum laude (highest honors) or cum laude (honors).
5. **Latin honors**: Caps may also indicate Latin honors, such as:
* Summa Cum Laude (S.C.L.): Highest honors
* Magna Cum Laude (M.C.L.): Second-highest honors
* Cum Laude (C.L.): Honors
6. **Specialty caps**: Some institutions may have specialty caps for specific fields of study, such as:
* Engineering or technical programs: Caps with a distinctive design or color to signify the field.
* Medical or health sciences programs: Caps with a stethoscope or other medical symbols.
7. **Thesis caps**: For students who completed a thesis as part of their degree requirements, some institutions may award a specialized cap or tassel to recognize this achievement.
8. **Military service caps**: In some cases, universities may offer special graduation caps for veterans or military personnel, such as a red, white, and blue striped design.
These variations in graduation caps can serve as a visual representation of the student's academic achievements and milestones.
For men's graduation caps, the traditional term is a "tam." A tam is a soft, flat cap that is worn by male graduates during their commencement ceremony. The tam is typically made of fabric and has a flat top with no brim.
Some common names for men's graduation tams include:
1. Tam: This is the most common name for a men's graduation cap.
2. Graduation Tam: This name emphasizes that the cap is specifically designed for graduates.
3. Academic Tam: This name highlights the academic nature of the occasion and the importance of the hat.
4. Cap and Gown Tam: This name combines the two essential components of a graduation outfit, emphasizing that the tam is part of a complete ensemble.
Some universities or colleges may have their own unique names for men's graduation tams, so it's always best to check with your institution if you're unsure what to call your cap.
Here are some ideas for a college graduation hat name:
1. **Cap-tastic**: A playful name that captures the excitement of graduating from college.
2. **Dean's List**: A nod to the academic achievements of the graduates, with a fun twist.
3. **The Cap-ers**: A fun, lighthearted name that emphasizes the celebratory nature of graduation.
4. **Grad-titude**: A play on "attitude" that highlights the sense of accomplishment and pride felt by college graduates.
5. **The Hat-trick**: A clever name that references both the graduation hat and the idea of achieving a hat trick (three successes in a row).
6. **Cap-it-all**: A whimsical name that suggests the graduates have achieved their goals and are ready to take on the world.
7. **The Cap-stones**: A name that references the final steps toward graduation, with a nod to the idea of building a strong foundation for future success.
8. **Tassel-tastic**: A fun name that incorporates a key element of college graduation ceremonies: the tassel.
Remember to keep your hat name short, memorable, and easy to spell (and pronounce!). You want it to be a proud moment for you and your fellow graduates!
A great follow-up question!
Graduation caps, also known as mortarboards or mortarboard caps, are a traditional part of academic regalia worn by graduates at commencement ceremonies. Over time, different types and designs of caps have emerged, reflecting various cultural, historical, and institutional traditions. Here are some common types of graduation caps:
1. **Traditional Mortarboard**: The most well-known type, characterized by a square or rectangular shape with a flat top, often decorated with school colors, crests, or other motifs.
2. **Tassel Cap**: A smaller, rounder cap with a long tassel hanging from the back, typically in the school's primary color(s).
3. **Velvet Cap**: A luxurious version made of velvet, often used for special occasions or as part of a formal academic regalia set.
4. **Felt Cap**: A more affordable alternative to velvet, still made of felt but without the luxurious feel.
5. **Furry Cap** (or **Pom-Pom Cap**): A playful variation featuring colorful pom-poms or tassels attached to the cap.
6. **Tassel and Ribbon Cap**: Combining a traditional mortarboard with a long ribbon or sash, often in school colors.
7. **Modern Design Caps**: Featuring innovative designs, shapes, or materials, such as 3D printing, LED lights, or even glow-in-the-dark effects.
8. **Institution-Specific Caps**: Unique designs created by individual institutions to reflect their history, culture, or traditions (e.g., the University of Michigan's block "M" design).
9. **Specialty Caps**: Designed for specific fields or disciplines, such as a medical cap with a white coat or a science cap featuring a DNA double helix.
10. **Custom Caps**: Personalized designs created for individuals, teams, or organizations, often incorporating names, logos, or special messages.
These categories are not exhaustive, and new types of graduation caps continue to emerge as institutions and designers push the boundaries of creativity and tradition.
The mortarboard hat, also known as a cap and gown, is a traditional academic headgear worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. The symbolism behind the mortarboard is rooted in ancient traditions and has evolved over time.
**The Origin:**
The mortarboard is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where it was worn by scholars and clergy. The hat's shape resembles a trowel or mortar used by masons and builders, while the board on top represents the "table of knowledge" or the pursuit of wisdom.
**Symbolism:**
1. **The Tassels:** The long, flowing tassels attached to the mortarboard represent the end of one journey (the academic path) and the beginning of another (the next chapter in life). The color of the tassel is often significant:
* Black: symbolizing the unknown or the challenges ahead.
* Gold: representing excellence, achievement, and wisdom.
2. **The Board:** The flat surface on top represents the "table of knowledge" or the pursuit of wisdom. It may also symbolize the graduate's readiness to apply their acquired knowledge in the world.
3. **The Cap:** The cap itself is often associated with the scholar's cloak, which was worn by medieval scholars and clergy. It may represent humility, modesty, or a commitment to lifelong learning.
**Modern Significance:**
Today, the mortarboard hat serves as a visual representation of academic achievement and a symbol of the graduate's hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Wearing the cap and gown during commencement ceremonies is a time-honored tradition that signifies the completion of a significant milestone in one's educational journey.
In summary, the mortarboard hat represents the culmination of an individual's academic pursuits, their readiness to apply their knowledge in the world, and their commitment to lifelong learning.
A unique and...rigid topic!
A "Rigid Skull Graduation Hat" is a humorous take on the traditional mortarboard cap worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. The idea is to create a hat that's literally rigid, perhaps made of cardboard or some other inflexible material, with a skull design printed or painted on it.
This concept might be seen as a playful commentary on the rigidity and seriousness often associated with academic institutions. By exaggerating this aspect through a literal rigid skull-shaped hat, one could argue that it's poking fun at the idea of taking oneself too seriously.
In terms of its potential functionality, such a hat might be designed to:
1. Provide a conversation starter: Wearing a Rigid Skull Graduation Hat would certainly generate attention and spark discussions about creativity and humor in academic settings.
2. Showcase individuality: By choosing a non-traditional graduation cap, the wearer could demonstrate their willingness to think outside the box and express themselves in a unique way.
However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks:
1. Practical limitations: A rigid skull-shaped hat might be uncomfortable to wear or even pose safety risks if it were too large or unwieldy.
2. Cultural or institutional implications: Some institutions or cultural contexts might view such an unconventional graduation cap as disrespectful or unprofessional.
Ultimately, whether a Rigid Skull Graduation Hat is a good idea depends on the context and the individual's intentions. If done tastefully and with humor, it could be a fun way to celebrate academic achievements while poking fun at traditional norms.
The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. However, the design and symbolism of the cap have been influenced by various cultures throughout history, including Islamic traditions.
In Islamic culture, the turban is often worn as a symbol of religious authority and wisdom. The turban is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head, typically in multiple layers, and is considered an essential part of traditional Muslim attire.
The graduation cap's design may have been inspired by the turbans worn by Islamic scholars and intellectuals. In many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, students who have completed their studies are often awarded a turban as a symbol of academic achievement and respect for their intellectual pursuits.
In some Islamic traditions, the turban is also associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment. The wrapping and unwrapping of the turban is seen as a metaphor for the unwinding of the mind and the uncovering of knowledge. This symbolism may have influenced the design of the graduation cap, which represents the culmination of academic endeavors and the achievement of intellectual maturity.
In some African countries with Islamic traditions, such as Ghana and Senegal, students who complete their studies are awarded a traditional cloth called a "kente" or "bògòlanfini." These cloths often feature intricate designs and patterns that symbolize wisdom, knowledge, and cultural heritage. The wearing of these cloths is an important part of academic ceremonies and is seen as a way to honor the individual's achievement.
In summary, while the graduation cap has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, Islamic traditions have also contributed to its design and symbolism. The turban, kente, or other traditional cloths worn by students in Islamic cultures reflect the values of intellectual pursuit, wisdom, and spiritual growth that are central to many Islamic societies.