mortarboard hat
A mortarboard hat, also known as an academic cap, is a square, flat-topped headwear traditionally worn during graduation ceremonies in educational institutions, particularly in English-speaking countries. It consists of a stiff, square board-like top attached to a band that fits around the head, with a tassel dangling from the center. The tassel is often moved from one side to the other during the ceremony to symbolize the completion of a degree. This hat is part of formal academic regalia and has roots in medieval European university traditions.
different graduation caps meaning
Different graduation caps, such as mortarboards, often symbolize academic achievement and can vary in style, color, or adornments to represent specific meanings. The standard mortarboard is a square cap typically worn for bachelor's degrees, while soft caps or bonnets may be used for master's or doctoral levels in some traditions.
Tassels on caps frequently indicate the field of study or honors; for example:
- Gold tassels often represent business or economics.
- Orange might signify engineering.
- Purple could denote law or jurisprudence.
- Blue is commonly associated with philosophy or education.
In some ceremonies, the cap's color corresponds to the institution or degree type, such as black for general use or specific colors for military academies. Additionally, moving the tassel from right to left during the ceremony symbolizes the completion of studies and entry into the professional world. These meanings can vary by country, university, or cultural context.
graduation cap origin islam
The graduation cap, commonly known as a mortarboard, has its roots in medieval European academic traditions, particularly from the 15th century at universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Its design is thought to have evolved from earlier clerical and scholarly headwear in Europe, such as the biretta used by the Catholic Church.
Some theories propose a connection to Islamic influences, stemming from the cultural and intellectual exchanges during the Middle Ages. For instance, European scholars encountered Islamic academic attire during the translation movement in places like Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain), where scholars wore structured head coverings like turbans. This exposure may have inspired elements of European academic dress, as Islamic institutions like madrasas were early models for universities.
However, there is no definitive historical evidence directly linking the modern graduation cap to specific Islamic garments, and its development is primarily attributed to European traditions. The square shape of the mortarboard is often seen as symbolic of the book or scholarly achievement, rather than a direct Islamic origin.
types of graduation caps
The mortarboard is the most common graduation cap, featuring a flat, square top with a tassel attached, typically worn for bachelor's and master's degrees in many English-speaking countries. The doctoral tam is a soft, round or pillbox-style cap, often made of velvet, used for PhD and other advanced degrees, and it may include decorative elements like a cord. In some academic traditions, such as in the UK, the bonnet is a soft cap with a stiff brim, similar to a Scottish style, worn for certain ceremonies. Regionally, variations like the Oxford cap, a soft square cap, or the John Harvard cap, a simple black cap with a tassel, exist but are less widespread. Cultural adaptations, such as the African-inspired kente cloth mortarboard or Indigenous designs, incorporate traditional fabrics while maintaining the basic shape.
square academic cap
A square academic cap, commonly known as a mortarboard, is a traditional piece of academic attire worn by graduates during ceremonies. It features a flat, square top made from stiff fabric or cardboard, attached to a skullcap-like base, with a dangling tassel usually hanging from the center. The cap is typically black or matches the wearer's gown and symbolizes academic achievement in universities and colleges, particularly in English-speaking regions. The tassel may be moved from one side to the other to signify the completion of a degree.
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 program. Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving the diploma, signifying the transition from student to graduate. The color of the tassel often indicates the field of study, such as gold for science or blue for philosophy, based on institutional customs.
graduation hat color meaning
In academic graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, the colors of graduation regalia—such as tassels, hoods, or cords—often symbolize the field of study, degree level, or institution. The mortarboard hat itself is typically black, but the tassel color is most commonly used for meaning. Here's a breakdown of common tassel and hood colors:
- White: Arts, letters, humanities, or general studies
- Drab (light brown): Business, commerce, or accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Purple: Law or philosophy
- Green: Medicine or health sciences
- Golden yellow: Science or social science
- Maize: Agriculture
- Dark blue: Philosophy or public administration
Colors can vary by institution, country, or specific traditions, so it's best to check with your school for exact meanings. Some schools also use gold tassels for bachelor's degrees, silver for master's, and black for doctoral, regardless of field.
trencher hat
A trencher hat, also known as a mortarboard, is a square academic cap traditionally worn during graduation ceremonies. It features a flat, square top with a tassel attached, usually made of black fabric, and is part of academic regalia in many English-speaking countries like the UK and US. The name derives from its resemblance to a "trencher," a flat wooden board used historically for serving food. It symbolizes academic achievement and is often worn by students receiving degrees.