mortarboard


A mortarboard is a square, flat academic cap traditionally worn by students and graduates during ceremonies like commencements. It typically features a stiff, square top with a tassel attached, symbolizing academic achievement. The term can also refer to a small board used by bricklayers to hold mortar, but in common usage, especially in educational contexts, it means the graduation hat.





mortarboard hat


A mortarboard hat, also known simply as a mortarboard, is a traditional academic cap worn during graduation ceremonies and other formal academic events. It consists of a flat, square board-like top attached to a headband, with a tassel hanging from the center. Typically made of black cloth or fabric, it symbolizes scholarly achievement and is commonly associated with universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The name derives from its resemblance to the board used by bricklayers to hold mortar.





different graduation caps meaning


Different graduation caps, primarily mortarboards, can vary in style, color, and accessories to signify academic achievements, fields of study, or institutional traditions. The standard mortarboard, a square, flat cap with a tassel, is commonly worn for bachelor's and some master's degrees. The tassel color often represents the graduate's discipline—for example, gold for science or engineering, white for arts and humanities, blue for philosophy or education, and red for theology or journalism (colors can vary by institution). For doctoral degrees, a tam, which is a soft, round cap, is frequently used to denote higher academic status. Some caps may include additional elements like cords or stoles for honors, but these are not part of the cap itself. Institutional variations exist, such as custom designs for specific universities.





graduation cap origin islam


The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, originated in medieval Europe, particularly in the academic traditions of universities like those in England and Italy during the 12th to 15th centuries. It evolved from earlier ecclesiastical and scholarly headwear, such as the biretta worn by clergy and academics, and became standardized as part of academic regalia in Western institutions.

There is no direct historical evidence linking the graduation cap to Islamic origins. Islamic scholarship, including from madrasas, did influence European learning during the Middle Ages through the transmission of knowledge via translations and cultural exchanges, but this did not specifically extend to the design or adoption of the mortarboard. Any perceived connection might stem from misconceptions about historical headwear in Islamic cultures, such as the fez or turban, which are unrelated to the graduation cap.





types of graduation caps


The main types of graduation caps include:

The mortarboard, which is the most common type, featuring a square, flat top with a dangling tassel and often worn for bachelor's degrees.

The tam, a soft, circular or square cap made of velvet or fabric, typically used for master's or doctoral ceremonies and sometimes adorned with a tassel or pompom.

The bonnet, a soft cap with a stiff brim, commonly associated with certain British or European academic traditions, often for higher degrees like doctorates.





graduation cap meaning tassel


The tassel on a graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a symbolic element in academic ceremonies. It represents the completion of a degree and the transition from student to graduate. Traditionally, in many English-speaking countries like the United States, the tassel is worn on the right side before the ceremony and flipped to the left side after receiving the diploma, signifying academic achievement. The color of the tassel often corresponds to the field of study—for example, gold for science, red for journalism—or the institution's colors.





square academic cap


A square academic cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a traditional headwear worn during graduation ceremonies in many educational institutions. It consists of a flat, square board attached to a skullcap-like base, with a dangling tassel typically attached to the center. Originating in 15th-century Europe, it symbolizes academic achievement and is commonly used in English-speaking countries. The wearer often flips the tassel from one side to the other upon completing their degree, marking the transition from student to graduate. Variations may include different materials, colors, or embellishments based on the institution or academic level.





graduation hat color meaning


Graduation hat tassel colors typically represent the field of study or degree, based on academic traditions in the United States. Here are common meanings:

- Agriculture: Maize (yellowish)
- Architecture: Blue-Violet
- Arts and Letters: White
- Business: Drab (light brown)
- Dentistry: Lilac
- Education: Light Blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Forestry: Russet
- Journalism: Crimson
- Law: Purple
- Library Science: Lemon Yellow
- Medicine: Green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Pharmacy: Olive Green
- Philosophy: Dark Blue
- Physical Education: Sage Green
- Science: Golden Yellow
- Social Work: Citron
- Theology: Scarlet

Colors can vary by institution, country, or specific university guidelines. The hat itself is usually black.