The mortarboard hat, also known as a graduation cap or academic hat, is a traditional part of the academic regalia worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. The meaning behind the mortarboard hat is steeped in history and symbolism.
Here are some possible meanings:
1. **Origin**: The mortarboard hat gets its name from the tool used by masons to mix mortar (a mixture of water, sand, and cement) for building walls. The hat resembles a mason's apron, with a flat top and a rim around the edge.
2. **Symbolism**: The mortarboard hat is often seen as a symbol of academic achievement, hard work, and preparation. Just as a mason uses a trowel to shape and mold mortar into a desired form, a graduate has spent time "mixing" their knowledge and skills to produce a unique individual with their own strengths and abilities.
3. **Significance**: The flat top of the mortarboard hat represents the broad base of learning that a graduate has built upon during their academic journey. The rim around the edge symbolizes the boundary between what is known (the learning) and the unknown (what lies ahead).
4. **Rank and Hierarchy**: In the past, mortarboard hats were used to indicate the rank or level of achievement among graduates. For example, a bachelor's degree holder might wear a blue hat, while a master's degree holder would wear a red hat. Today, the mortarboard hat is often uniform across all graduates, emphasizing equality and shared accomplishment.
5. **Timelessness**: The mortarboard hat has been worn for centuries, and its design has remained relatively unchanged over time. This consistency serves as a reminder that academic achievement is a timeless pursuit, with each generation building upon the knowledge of those who have come before.
Overall, the mortarboard hat is an important part of academic tradition and serves as a symbol of the hard work, dedication, and growth that graduates have undergone during their educational journey.
A Mortarboard hat, also known as a Graduation Cap or Academic Hat, is a traditional headpiece worn by graduates during academic ceremonies to mark the completion of their degree. It's a significant milestone in one's educational journey!
If you're looking to buy a Mortarboard hat for sale, here are some options:
1. **Online Retailers**: You can search online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy for "Mortarboard hat" or "Graduation Cap." Many retailers offer custom-made hats with your name, initials, or degree information printed on them.
2. **Academic Supply Stores**: Specialty stores that cater to academic needs often carry Mortarboard hats in various colors and sizes. You can search online or visit a store in person.
3. **University Bookstores**: Some university bookstores may carry Mortarboard hats, especially if they're located near universities with strong traditions of wearing them during graduation ceremonies.
4. **Custom-Made Options**: If you're looking for a unique or custom-made hat, consider reaching out to local seamstresses, tailors, or hat makers who specialize in creating academic regalia.
When buying a Mortarboard hat, make sure to check the following:
* **Quality and Material**: Look for high-quality materials like felt, wool, or cotton. Avoid hats made from cheap materials that may not hold up well.
* **Size and Fit**: Ensure the hat is the correct size for your head. If you're buying online, consider measuring your head before ordering.
* **Customization Options**: Check if the seller offers customization options like printing names, initials, or degree information on the hat.
Remember to order your Mortarboard hat well in advance of your graduation ceremony to ensure timely delivery!
The mortarboard hat, also known as a "cap" or "tassel cap," is a traditional headpiece worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. Here are some interesting facts and etiquette tips related to mortarboard hats:
**Design and Significance:**
The mortarboard hat is typically black, with a flat top and a brim that slopes forward. The design has its roots in the 17th century, when it was used by mortarboards (mortar mixers) to keep their hair clean while working. Today, the mortarboard symbolizes the academic achievement of graduating students.
**Tassel:**
The tassel, which is usually made of silk or cotton, hangs down from the mortarboard hat. Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap, indicating that the graduate has not yet received their degree (i.e., they are still a student). After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side of the cap, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus.
**Etiquette:**
Here are some guidelines for wearing and handling mortarboard hats:
1. **Wear it correctly:** The mortarboard should be worn with the brim sloping forward, and the tassel on the right side (before graduation).
2. **Take care of it:** Handle the mortarboard hat with care to avoid damaging or creasing it.
3. **Do not wear it indoors:** Traditionally, the mortarboard is only worn outdoors during the commencement ceremony. Remove it before entering a building or taking photos.
4. **Respect the tradition:** While mortarboard hats have evolved over time, they are still an important part of academic tradition and should be treated with respect.
**Modern Twists:**
In recent years, some universities have introduced variations on the traditional mortarboard hat design. For example:
1. **Colors and designs:** Some institutions offer customized mortarboard hats with school colors or unique designs.
2. **Alternative materials:** Eco-friendly options, such as bamboo or recycled materials, are gaining popularity.
**After Graduation:**
What happens to the mortarboard hat after graduation?
1. **Keep it as a memento:** Many graduates choose to preserve their mortarboard hat as a reminder of their academic achievement.
2. **Donate or repurpose:** Consider donating your mortarboard hat to a local school or charity, or repurposing it as a decorative item.
Overall, the mortarboard hat is an iconic symbol of academic achievement and a meaningful part of graduation ceremonies.
You're looking for a mortarboard hat on Amazon!
A mortarboard hat is a traditional academic headgear, also known as a "cap" or "square cap." It's commonly worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to symbolize the completion of their degree.
Here are some tips and options for finding a mortarboard hat on Amazon:
1. **Search terms:** Use keywords like "mortarboard hat," "graduation hat," "academic cap," or "mortar board" to find relevant results.
2. **Filter by size:** Make sure to filter your search by size, as mortarboard hats come in various sizes (e.g., adult, kid's, and infant).
3. **Material and construction:** You can opt for hats made from different materials like velvet, cotton, or silk. Some might be more durable than others.
4. **Design and color:** Choose from a variety of designs, including plain colors, stripes, logos, or even personalized options (e.g., names or initials).
5. **Price range:** Set a budget for your search to find hats within your price range.
Some popular mortarboard hat options on Amazon include:
1. **Classic Velvet Mortarboard Hat**: A traditional velvet hat with a classic design.
2. **Graduation Cap and Gown Kit**: A comprehensive kit that includes the mortarboard hat, gown, and tassel for a complete graduation outfit.
3. **Personalized Mortarboard Hat**: Get a custom-made hat with your name or initials printed on it.
4. **Kids' Mortarboard Hat**: For younger graduates, find hats designed specifically for kids.
Remember to check reviews and product descriptions before making your final choice.
The mortarboard hat, also known as a graduation cap or academic hood, has a distinctive feature - the tassel! The tassel is typically worn on the right side of the hat, and its position can carry significant meaning.
Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the RIGHT SIDE until you graduate. This symbolizes your journey towards earning your degree, with the tassel's movement from left to right representing your progress towards completion.
Once you've earned your degree, the tassel is typically moved to the LEFT SIDE of the hat as a symbol of having completed your educational journey and achieved academic success!
So, there you have it! The mortarboard hat tassel side holds special significance in the world of academia.
In many countries, especially in the United States and Europe, graduation caps (also known as mortarboards) have specific designs or colors that signify different aspects of a graduate's achievement. Here are some common meanings:
1. **Color of the tassel**: The most obvious difference is the color of the tassel attached to the cap. In many institutions:
* Black: Indicates that the graduate has earned a Bachelor's degree.
* Gold or Yellow: Signifies a Master's degree.
* White or Silver: Represents a Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D, etc.).
2. **Emblems or badges**: Some caps may feature emblems or badges that represent:
* Academic departments (e.g., engineering, business, arts) or majors.
* Honor societies or fraternities/sororities.
* Student government positions or leadership roles.
3. **Insignia**: Certain institutions have their own unique insignia or logos on the cap, which may indicate:
* The university's name or initials.
* A specific program or college within the institution.
4. **Ribbons or sashes**: Some caps feature ribbons or sashes that signify:
* Academic achievement (e.g., GPA above a certain threshold).
* Honors or awards received during the academic career.
5. **Special designs**: Caps may also feature special designs or motifs that represent:
* The graduate's field of study (e.g., a medical symbol for pre-med students).
* Their interests or hobbies outside of academics.
6. **International influences**: In some cases, caps may reflect international traditions or cultural influences, such as:
* A traditional Scottish tam o' shanter for Scottish universities.
These variations in graduation caps can add an extra layer of significance and personalization to the ceremony, making it a meaningful and memorable experience for graduates.
The pronunciation of "Mortarboard" is often a topic of debate.
Traditionally, the pronunciation is /ˈmɔrtərbɔrd/ (MOR-tur-board), with emphasis on the second syllable. This is because the word has its roots in Latin, where "mortarium" referred to a mortar or bowl. Over time, the term evolved to describe the distinctive cap worn by university graduates.
However, it's not uncommon for people to pronounce it more like /ˈmɔrtərbɔrd/ (MOR-tar-board), with emphasis on the first syllable. This may be due to the influence of modern English pronunciation or the fact that many people are unfamiliar with the word's Latin origins.
So, what's the "official" answer?
While both pronunciations have been used throughout history, the more traditional and widely accepted pronunciation is indeed /ˈmɔrtərbɔrd/ (MOR-tur-board). This is reflected in many dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary, which defines the word as follows:
"Mortarboard, n. A square cap with a flat top and a wide brim, worn by graduates at their degree ceremonies."
In summary, if you want to sound like a traditional academic, go with the pronunciation /ˈmɔrtərbɔrd/ (MOR-tur-board)!
An interesting topic!
While the modern graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, has its origins in European tradition, there is an Islamic connection to the concept of wearing a special headgear for ceremonial purposes.
In Islamic culture, the turban (also known as an 'imāma' or 'taqiyah') is a traditional and symbolic head covering worn by men. The turban has been an integral part of Muslim attire for centuries and serves various purposes:
1. Modesty: The turban helps maintain modesty by covering the head, neck, and sometimes even the face.
2. Significance: In Islamic tradition, the turban is a symbol of spiritual growth, wisdom, and authority. It's often worn by scholars, judges, and religious leaders to signify their position and knowledge.
3. Protection: The turban can also serve as a protective covering, shielding the head from the sun or harsh weather conditions.
In some Muslim cultures, particularly in South Asia (e.g., Pakistan and India), the turban is an important part of traditional attire for special occasions like weddings, festivals, and ceremonies. In these contexts, the turban may be worn to mark a person's status, achievement, or milestone event, such as graduation.
Although there isn't a direct connection between the modern Western-style graduation cap (mortarboard) and Islamic tradition, it's possible that the concept of wearing a special headgear for ceremonial purposes has influenced each other. The turban, in particular, may have inspired the design and symbolism behind the mortarboard.
In some Muslim-majority countries, graduates do wear special headgear or adornments to mark their academic achievements, such as:
1. Pakistan: Graduates often wear a traditional cap called a 'topi' or 'taqiyah' to celebrate their milestone.
2. Indonesia: Students in Islamic schools (pesantren) and universities may don a simple cap or a traditional headscarf during graduation ceremonies.
While the specific design of these adornments might differ from the Western-style mortarboard, the underlying idea of wearing special headgear for ceremonial purposes shares common roots with the turban's significance in Islamic culture.