Mortarboard is a great one!
A mortarboard, also known as a graduation cap or academic hat, is a traditional academic headgear worn by graduates at commencement ceremonies. It's typically made of black felt or velvet and has a flat top and a tassel hanging down from the back.
The mortarboard has a rich history dating back to the 15th century in Europe, when it was worn by scholars and academics as a symbol of their learning and intellectual pursuits. The design is thought to have originated from the mortarboards used by medieval craftsmen and builders, with the flat top representing the "platform" or foundation upon which knowledge is built.
In modern times, the mortarboard has become an iconic symbol of academic achievement and is often worn by graduates as a badge of honor and pride. Many universities and institutions also have their own unique mortarboard designs or traditions, making it a meaningful part of the graduation ceremony and celebration.
In the United States, a graduation cap is commonly referred to as a "mortarboard." This name comes from the fact that the cap resembles an ancient Roman mortar and pestle. The traditional mortarboard is made of cardboard or fabric and has a flat top with a tassel hanging down.
The term "mortarboard" has been used in the United States since the early 20th century to describe this distinctive academic headpiece. It's a popular symbol of academic achievement and is often worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies.
Interestingly, the mortarboard has its roots in medieval Europe, where it was used as a symbol of learning and wisdom. The modern version we see today originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has since become an iconic part of graduation tradition.
The mortarboard hat!
A mortarboard hat is a traditional academic headgear, typically worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. It's a rectangular cap with a flat top and a tassel hanging down from the center.
The mortarboard hat has its roots in medieval Europe, where it was worn by scholars and clergy as a symbol of learning and authority. The modern version of the mortarboard hat is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
Here are some interesting facts about mortarboard hats:
1. **Name**: The term "mortarboard" comes from the resemblance of the cap to a medieval craftsman's mortar, with the tassel resembling the pestle.
2. **Design**: Traditionally, the mortarboard hat is made of fabric or felt and features a flat top and a long, thin brim. The tassel is usually black for males and blue for females, although some institutions may have different color schemes.
3. **Meaning**: The mortarboard hat is often seen as a symbol of academic achievement, representing the culmination of hard work and dedication to one's studies.
4. **Customary wear**: During commencement ceremonies, graduates typically wear the mortarboard hat with the tassel hanging on the right side (for bachelor's degrees) or the left side (for master's and doctoral degrees).
5. **Variations**: While the traditional mortarboard hat is still widely used, some institutions have introduced variations, such as different colors, designs, or even 3D-printed hats.
Overall, the mortarboard hat remains an iconic symbol of academic achievement and a cherished tradition in many educational institutions around the world.
In many countries, the design and color of a graduation cap can have specific meanings or traditions associated with them. Here are some common examples:
1. **Tassel color**: The tassel on top of the mortarboard (graduation cap) is often colored to indicate the student's field of study:
* Black: Humanities, Social Sciences, or General Studies
* Gold: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
* Red: Business, Economics, or Finance
* Green: Environmental Studies or Sustainability
2. **Cap color**: The cap itself can also have different colors to signify various fields of study:
* Blue: Liberal Arts or Humanities
* Yellow: Science or Technology
* Green: Agriculture or Environmental Studies
3. **Emblems or symbols**: Some graduation caps may feature emblems or symbols that represent the student's academic achievements, interests, or affiliations:
* Honors societies or organizations (e.g., Phi Beta Kappa)
* Fraternities or sororities
* Club or activity involvement (e.g., music, sports)
4. **Special designs**: Some institutions may have specific design elements on their graduation caps to reflect the institution's history, culture, or values:
* University seals or logos
* Mascots or team colors
* School colors or traditions
5. **Personalized messages**: In some cases, students may choose to add personalized messages, quotes, or inside jokes to their graduation cap designs to make them more meaningful or humorous.
It's essential to note that the meanings and traditions surrounding graduation caps can vary greatly between institutions, countries, and cultures.
Graduation caps, also known as mortarboards or academic hoods, are an iconic part of the graduation ceremony. Here are some types of graduation caps:
1. **Traditional Mortarboard**: The most common type, featuring a flat top and a tassel (usually black) that hangs down.
2. **Doctoral Mortarboard**: Slightly larger than traditional mortarboards, with a higher, curved top and a velvet or silk hood in the school's colors.
3. **Master's Mortarboard**: Similar to the doctoral mortarboard, but slightly smaller and without the velvet or silk hood.
4. **Honorary Doctorate Cap**: A special design for honorary degrees, often featuring a gold tassel and a more ornate design.
5. **Cap with Tassel**: A basic cap with a long, flowing tassel that can be worn on its own or as part of a mortarboard.
6. **Frogged Cap**: Featuring a decorative frog (small metal clasp) that holds the tassel in place.
7. **Gothic Arch Cap**: Characterized by an arched top and often decorated with intricate designs.
8. **Shaped Caps**: Designed to reflect the individual's field of study or profession, such as a medical cap shaped like a caduceus (the symbol of medicine).
9. **Customizable Caps**: Some schools offer customizable caps with different colors, logos, or designs to represent specific organizations or interests.
10. **Vintage-Inspired Caps**: Designed to resemble traditional mortarboards from past eras, often featuring ornate details and patterns.
These types of graduation caps vary in design, material, and features, reflecting the individual's academic achievements, field of study, or personal style.
The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, has a complex and rich history that spans across different cultures and civilizations. While it's not directly related to Islamic tradition or origins, I can provide some interesting facts about the evolution of the graduation cap.
**Early beginnings:** The earliest recorded use of headgear similar to modern-day graduation caps dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. In these societies, philosophers and scholars wore distinctive headpieces as a symbol of their wisdom, authority, and high social standing.
**Middle Ages to Renaissance:** During the Middle Ages, European universities adopted the tradition of wearing special hats or hoods during ceremonial events like graduations. These early caps were often simple, undecorated, and worn by both men and women.
**Renaissance and Enlightenment:** As education became more widespread and formalized during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods (14th-18th centuries), graduation caps evolved to reflect the growing importance of academic achievements. The traditional mortarboard design, with its characteristic square shape and tassel, emerged in Europe during this time.
**Modern origins:** The modern graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. The term "mortarboard" refers to the traditional design, which resembles an ancient Roman mortar and pestle. The tassel on top of the cap was initially meant to symbolize the blending of knowledge (the mortar) with the pursuit of wisdom (the pestle).
**Islamic context:** While there is no direct connection between Islamic tradition and the origin of graduation caps, it's worth noting that Islamic culture has its own unique customs and symbols for celebrating academic achievements. For example, in some Muslim-majority countries, students may wear traditional clothing or carry symbolic items, such as a Quran or a book, to mark their graduations.
In summary, while there is no specific Islamic origin of the graduation cap, the evolution of this iconic symbol has been shaped by various cultural and historical influences across ancient civilizations.
The mortarboard hat!
The mortarboard is a traditional academic cap worn by graduates, professors, and other academics. It's also known as a "cap and gown" or simply a "graduation cap." The term "mortarboard" comes from the Old French word "mortier," meaning "a board or plate for mixing mortar."
In ancient times, mortarboards were used to hold mortar and pestle tools, which were essential for grinding and mixing building materials like cement and lime. Over time, the design of the cap evolved to become a symbol of academic achievement and intellectual pursuits.
The mortarboard hat typically has a flat top with a tassel attached to it, representing the "cement" that holds knowledge together. The tassel is often decorated with ribbons or other ornaments, signifying the individual's achievements and accomplishments.
In modern times, the mortarboard has become an iconic symbol of academic success, particularly in Western cultures. It's traditionally worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to signify their completion of a degree program. Professors and academics may also wear mortarboards as a mark of respect for their peers or as part of a formal academic dress code.
Some interesting facts about the mortarboard:
1. The modern mortarboard design is believed to have originated in 16th-century Europe, where it was worn by university professors.
2. In the United States, the mortarboard is often referred to as a "cap and gown," while in the UK and some other countries, it's simply called a "mortarboard" or "graduation cap."
3. The tassel on the mortarboard is usually moved from one side of the cap to the other during the graduation ceremony, symbolizing the graduate's transition from student to professional.
4. Some colleges and universities have their own unique mortarboard designs or traditions, such as adding school colors or special symbols.
Overall, the mortarboard hat has become an enduring symbol of academic achievement and a rite of passage for graduates around the world.
The graduation cap and tassel!
In the United States, a traditional graduation cap (also known as a mortarboard) typically consists of a square or rectangular piece of cardboard or fabric with a flat top and a slightly curved brim. The most distinctive feature of the cap is the long, hanging tassel.
Here are some common meanings associated with the tassel:
1. **Left side:** Bachelor's degree (or undergraduate degree). Traditionally, bachelor's degree candidates wear their tassels on the left side of their cap.
2. **Right side:** Master's or doctoral degree (graduate degree). Candidates pursuing master's or doctoral degrees wear their tassels on the right side of their cap.
Some universities or colleges may have variations in their traditions, so it's always a good idea to check with your institution for specific guidelines.