graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent specific fields of study, honors, or institutions—for example, gold for high honors or colors like blue for education or green for medicine. These rules can vary by school, country, or event, so it's best to check with the specific institution for exact guidelines.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In many graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is worn on the right side before the graduate receives their diploma. After the ceremony or upon completing the degree, the tassel is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in Western traditions.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


Graduation cap tassel colors typically represent the wearer's field of study and can vary by institution. Common meanings include white for arts, letters, and humanities; gold or yellow for sciences and engineering; dark blue for philosophy; purple for law; green for medicine; light blue for education; orange for engineering; drab (light brown) for business administration; pink for music; brown for fine arts; and citron for social sciences. Always check with the specific school, as interpretations may differ.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation cap tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. It signifies that you have completed your academic studies and are now officially recognized as an alumnus or alumna. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, and dates back to academic traditions in Europe.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so that the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows and the cap is level. Attach or position the tassel on the right side of the cap, ensuring it's hanging freely without obstructing your view. For most ceremonies, keep it on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and security.





what side does the tassel go on for graduation pictures


For graduation pictures, the tassel on the cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving your diploma. If the photo is taken pre-ceremony, use the right side; for post-ceremony, use the left side. Always check with your school for any specific guidelines.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, during academic ceremonies. Graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which starts on the right side. At a key moment, often after receiving their diploma or as directed by the ceremony leader, they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act represents the completion of their studies and the transition from student to graduate.





graduation cap tassel meaning


The graduation cap tassel is a symbolic element attached to the mortarboard cap worn during commencement ceremonies. It represents academic achievement and the completion of a degree. In many traditions, particularly in the United States, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is moved to the left after the graduate receives their diploma, signifying the transition from student to alumnus. The tassel's color often indicates the field of study, such as gold for science or blue for philosophy, though this varies by institution.