different graduation caps meaning
Different graduation caps, primarily mortarboards, can signify various aspects of a graduate's achievement, such as degree level, field of study, or institutional traditions. The standard black mortarboard is most common for bachelor's degrees, often with a tassel that starts on the right and is flipped to the left during the ceremony to symbolize completion.
Tassel colors typically represent the academic discipline in systems like the American Council on Education's guidelines: for example, gold for science, crimson for journalism, blue for philosophy, and purple for law. For master's degrees, the mortarboard is similar but may include a hood in a specific color to denote the field.
Doctoral graduates often wear a soft cap called a tam instead of a mortarboard, especially in the UK or certain US institutions, to distinguish higher achievements. In some countries or schools, cap variations like colored fabric or unique designs might reflect cultural heritage or specific honors, such as summa cum laude distinctions. Always check institutional guidelines, as meanings can vary by region or university.
mortarboard
Mortarboard is an English term with two main meanings. First, it refers to a square academic cap traditionally worn during graduation ceremonies, featuring a flat, square top board attached to a skullcap, often with a tassel that signifies the wearer's degree. Second, it describes a flat, square board with a handle used by bricklayers or masons to hold and carry mortar while constructing walls.
mortarboard hat
A mortarboard hat is a traditional academic cap worn by graduates during ceremonies, characterized by its flat, square top (resembling a builder's mortarboard tool) and a dangling tassel. It is commonly made of black fabric and often paired with a gown, symbolizing academic achievement in many English-speaking countries.
types of graduation caps
The mortarboard, also known as the square academic cap, is the most common type, featuring a flat square top with a tassel and worn for undergraduate and some graduate degrees.
The tam, a soft, round or pill-shaped cap, is often used for doctoral or higher degrees, sometimes with a tassel or cord.
The biretta is a stiffened, square cap with three or four ridges, typically associated with certain European or religious academic traditions.
The Oxford cap, similar to the mortarboard but with a soft crown, is used in some British universities.
The John Knox cap, a soft, black cap with a pom-pom, is worn in Scottish academic ceremonies for certain degrees.
graduation cap origin islam
The graduation cap, commonly known as a mortarboard, has its origins in medieval European universities, particularly in England and Italy during the 12th to 14th centuries. It evolved from academic attire worn by scholars, influenced by the ecclesiastical garments of the Catholic Church, such as the biretta. There is no historical evidence directly linking the graduation cap to Islamic traditions. While Islamic scholarship has its own distinct headwear, like the turban, any claims of an Islamic origin for the mortarboard appear to be misconceptions or modern myths without credible sources. The modern form of the cap became standardized in European academic settings and was later adopted in the United States and other regions.
graduation cap meaning tassel
The tassel on a graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a symbolic element in academic ceremonies. It represents academic achievement and the completion of a degree. Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the right side before graduation and moved to the left side after the ceremony to signify the transition from student to graduate. The color of the tassel often corresponds to the field of study, such as gold for business or blue for philosophy, though this varies by institution or country. In some cultures, it may also hold personal or cultural significance.
graduation cap tassel
A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord or string attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, which is the flat, square hat worn by graduates during ceremonies. It typically features a knot or bead at the end and dangles freely. Tassels often come in various colors to signify the graduate's degree level, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for philosophy. During the ceremony, the tassel is traditionally worn on the right side and flipped to the left to symbolize the completion of studies. They are usually made from materials like silk, rayon, or polyester for durability and aesthetic appeal.
square academic cap
A square academic cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a traditional headwear item used in academic ceremonies, particularly graduations. It consists of a hard, flat square top attached to a soft cap, with a dangling tassel that often signifies the wearer's degree level or is flipped during the ceremony to mark completion of studies. This cap is commonly worn in English-speaking countries and is part of formal academic regalia.