Mortarboard is another fascinating example of a traditional academic headgear!
A mortarboard, also known as a trencher cap or academic hat, is a flat-topped, square-shaped hat with a tassel and a flat top. It's typically worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to signify their academic achievement.
The mortarboard has a long history, dating back to the 14th century in Europe. The design is believed to have originated from the caps worn by medieval craftsmen, such as masons (who used mortar) and carpenters (whose boards were flat-topped). Over time, the mortarboard became a symbol of academic achievement and was adopted by universities and colleges.
In modern times, mortarboards are usually black or white, with a tassel that is traditionally worn to one side. The tassel can be moved to the other side as part of the graduation ceremony, signifying the graduate's transition from student to professional.
Mortarboards have become an iconic symbol of academic achievement and are often associated with graduation ceremonies, academic regalia, and scholarly pursuits.
The mortarboard hat!
The mortarboard hat, also known as a graduation cap or academic hat, is an iconic symbol of academic achievement. It's a rectangular hat with a flat top and a tassel hanging from the back, typically in black or other dark colors.
Here are some interesting facts about mortarboard hats:
1. **Origin**: The mortarboard hat has its roots in 16th-century Europe, where it was worn by scholars and academics as a sign of their profession.
2. **Name**: The name "mortarboard" comes from the resemblance to a mortar and pestle, tools used by medieval scholars to grind herbs and other materials.
3. **Design**: The hat's design has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, with its flat top and tassel representing the pursuit of knowledge (the flat top) and the achievement of academic success (the tassel).
4. **Color**: Traditionally, mortarboard hats are black or dark-colored, but some universities and institutions have adopted their own unique colors to match their school's traditions.
5. **Tassels**: The tassel on a mortarboard hat is often colored to indicate the degree level achieved: for example, gold for bachelor's degrees, silver for master's degrees, and black for doctoral degrees.
6. **Wearing tradition**: In many universities, students wear their mortarboard hats during graduation ceremonies as a symbol of academic achievement and pride.
The mortarboard hat has become an integral part of academic tradition and culture, representing the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and intellectual pursuit.
In English, a graduation hat is commonly referred to as:
1. **Cap and Gown**: This is the most popular term used to describe the academic attire worn by graduating students.
2. **Academic Hat** or **Graduation Cap**: These terms are also widely used to refer to the distinctive headgear worn on graduation day.
3. ** mortarboard**: A more specific term, "mortarboard" specifically refers to the square, flat cap with a tassel that is typically worn by graduates.
In some countries, like Australia and the UK, the hat is often simply referred to as a "graduation cap" or " mortarboard".
It's worth noting that different academic institutions may have their own specific terminology for these hats, so it's always a good idea to check with your university or school to see what they prefer!
In the academic world, graduation caps (also known as mortarboards) often carry symbolic meanings and distinctions. Here are some common differences:
1. **Color**:
* Black: Typically reserved for those graduating with a Bachelor's degree.
* Gold or Yellow: Often associated with Master's degrees.
* Red or Maroon: Commonly seen on caps of those earning Doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.).
2. **Tassel**:
* Tassels are usually attached to the cap and can be moved from one side to another during the ceremony, signifying the graduate's transition from student to professional.
3. **Designs and Logos**:
* Some institutions feature their logos or crests on the caps to represent school pride and affiliation.
4. **Honors and Awards**:
* Special designs or colors may be used to indicate academic honors (e.g., summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude).
5. **Greek Letters**:
* Members of Greek letter organizations (sororities and fraternities) often display their organization's letters on their caps.
6. **Departmental or Major-specific designs**:
* Some institutions use unique designs or colors to represent different academic departments or majors (e.g., engineering, art, or music).
7. **Honorary or Commemorative designs**:
* Caps may feature special designs or tributes to recognize significant achievements, anniversaries, or notable figures.
These variations can be used to:
1. Distinguish between students from different programs or departments.
2. Recognize academic excellence or outstanding achievement.
3. Reflect institutional pride and tradition.
4. Create a sense of community among graduates.
Remember that not all institutions follow these traditions, so it's essential to check with the specific university or department for their unique customs and practices.
The fascinating world of graduation caps!
Graduation caps, also known as mortarboards, have a rich history and are an iconic symbol of academic achievement. Here are some common types of graduation caps:
1. **Traditional Mortarboard**: This is the most common type of graduation cap, characterized by a flat top and a tassel hanging from it. The traditional design features a rectangular piece of cloth with a curved brim.
2. **Ph.D. Cap**: Ph.D. graduates often wear a special type of mortarboard that has a longer, more pointed crown to distinguish themselves from bachelor's and master's degree recipients.
3. **Master's Cap**: Master's degree graduates typically wear a mortarboard with a slightly shorter crown than a Ph.D. cap.
4. **Bachelor's Cap**: Bachelor's degree graduates usually wear a mortarboard with the shortest crown of all three types.
5. **Honorary Degree Cap**: When an individual is awarded an honorary degree, they often receive a special mortarboard that may have additional embellishments or distinctive features.
6. **Specialty Caps**: Some institutions create unique graduation caps for specific programs or departments, such as engineering, business, or arts and sciences.
7. **Customized Caps**: Many colleges and universities allow students to personalize their mortarboards with names, initials, or special messages.
8. **Vintage-Style Caps**: To pay homage to tradition, some institutions offer vintage-style mortarboards that evoke a bygone era.
9. **Themed Caps**: For special occasions, such as theme-based graduations or international celebrations, institutions may design caps with unique themes or designs.
10. **Digital Caps**: In the digital age, some institutions are exploring virtual graduation caps and other innovative ways to recognize academic achievements.
These different types of graduation caps serve not only as a symbol of achievement but also as a way to differentiate between degrees, programs, and institutions.
The mortarboard hat!
A mortarboard, also known as a tam or academic cap, is a traditional headpiece worn by graduates during academic ceremonies, such as commencement exercises. The hat has a rich history and carries several symbolic meanings.
Here's what the different parts of the mortarboard represent:
1. **Tassel**: The tassel, which hangs from the mortarboard, represents the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. It can be moved to one side or the other during the ceremony to indicate the graduate's degree (e.g., left for a bachelor's degree, right for a master's degree).
2. **Square cap**: The flat, square shape of the mortarboard is said to represent the mortarboard used by masons and stonemasons to hold their trowels. This symbolizes the idea that education is the foundation upon which one builds their future.
3. **Crown or brim**: The circular crown or brim of the hat represents the circle of learning, indicating that knowledge has no beginning or end.
The mortarboard's meaning can be interpreted in various ways:
* It signifies academic achievement and recognition of a milestone (graduation).
* It represents the graduate's commitment to lifelong learning and continued pursuit of knowledge.
* The tassel movement may also signify the transition from one stage of life (student) to another (professional or independent).
In some cultures, mortarboards are worn as a symbol of authority, respectability, or even humor. For example, in medieval Europe, academics wore mortarboards as a sign of their status and learning.
Today, mortarboards remain an essential part of many graduation ceremonies worldwide, serving as a tangible representation of the graduate's hard work, dedication, and academic accomplishments.
The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome. However, the design and symbolism of the cap have been influenced by various cultures throughout history, including Islamic tradition.
In Islamic culture, the turban or headscarf (known as an 'imama') is an important part of traditional dress, particularly for men. The imama has a rich symbolic significance in Islam, representing modesty, piety, and obedience to Allah. In some Muslim cultures, the imama is worn during special occasions such as weddings, funerals, or religious celebrations.
The modern graduation cap, with its distinctive shape and design, may have been influenced by Islamic headgear traditions. Some historians suggest that the mortarboard's resemblance to the imama or other traditional Islamic headdresses might be a nod to these cultural antecedents.
Here are some possible connections between Islamic tradition and the origin of the graduation cap:
1. **Turban influence**: The mortarboard's turban-like shape might have been inspired by traditional Islamic headgear, such as the imama. This is particularly evident in the way both the imama and the mortarboard are designed to cover the top of the head, with a peak or tassel hanging down.
2. **Symbolism of modesty**: In Islamic culture, the imama represents modesty and humility. Similarly, the graduation cap can be seen as a symbol of academic modesty, with its plain white color and simple design emphasizing the individual's focus on their studies rather than personal vanity.
3. **Respect for knowledge**: In Islam, knowledge is considered sacred and a means to connect with Allah. The mortarboard, which represents the culmination of academic achievement, may have been influenced by this respect for knowledge and the Islamic tradition of honoring learning and wisdom.
While the exact origins of the graduation cap are unclear, it's possible that Islamic traditions and cultural influences contributed to its design and symbolism over time.
The colors of graduation hats, also known as mortarboards or caps, often carry specific meanings and significance. Here's a breakdown:
1. **Black**: Typically reserved for students in the humanities, social sciences, and some sciences (e.g., English, history, philosophy, sociology).
2. **Blue**: Often associated with students in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and some social sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, math).
3. **Red**: Usually reserved for students in the arts, fine arts, music, and drama.
4. **Green**: Some institutions use green to represent students in environmental studies, ecology, or related fields.
5. **Gold** or **Yellow**: These colors often signify academic excellence, honors, or special recognition (e.g., summa cum laude, valedictorian).
6. **Purple**: This color is sometimes used for students in the social sciences, education, or related fields.
It's essential to note that these color associations can vary between institutions and even within specific departments or programs. Additionally, some colleges and universities may not have a formalized system of assigning colors based on majors or disciplines.
In general, the colors of graduation hats serve as a way to visually represent students' academic pursuits and achievements, providing a sense of community and shared identity among graduates.