why do you move your tassel from right to left
In many graduation ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event. Moving it to the left side signifies the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in American universities and is a symbolic gesture of academic achievement.
graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to being a graduate.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For doctorate degrees, the graduation tassel is traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard or tam at the beginning of the ceremony. During the event, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree, though practices can vary by institution or country. The tassel color often corresponds to the field of study, such as gold for most doctorates in the U.S.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the cap on your head so it sits flat and level, with the front edge about an inch above your eyebrows and the back parallel to the floor. Attach the tassel to the button on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after your name is called or degrees are conferred, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Adjust as needed for comfort and to keep it from obstructing your view.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the wearer's field of study or degree type in academic ceremonies. Common meanings include:
- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Drab (light brown): Business, accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine, health sciences
- Pink: Music
- Apricot: Nursing
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Maize: Agriculture
Colors can vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific school for exact meanings.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree graduation, the tassel is typically worn on the left side of the mortarboard cap throughout the entire ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon receiving the diploma. Tassel colors often represent the field of study (e.g., gold for science, dark blue for philosophy), but exact rules can vary by institution. Always check with your specific university for any local customs.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony commonly practiced in the United States and some other countries. During the event, graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which starts on the right side. At a designated moment—often right after receiving their diploma or as instructed by the ceremony leader—they flip the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their studies and the official transition from student to graduate. It serves as a personal and collective milestone, representing achievement and new beginnings in academic traditions.