In high school, the tradition of wearing a cap and gown during graduation ceremonies is a time-honored custom. And when it comes to the tassel, there's a specific rule about which side it starts on.
**The general rule:**
In most cases, the tassel on a high school graduation cap starts on the **right side**, also known as the "old maid" or "incorrect" side. This means that when you're walking into the ceremony, the tassel is hanging to the right of your head.
**Why does it start on the right side?**
There are a few theories about why the tradition started this way:
1. **Historical significance**: Some believe that in the early days of high school graduations, the tassel represented the "old" or "uneducated" side, while the left side represented the "new" or "educated" side. The right-side starting position may have symbolized the transition from ignorance to knowledge.
2. **Symbolism**: Another theory is that the right-side starting position represents the student's journey from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge). As you walk across the stage, you're moving towards enlightenment, and the tassel "falls" to the left side, symbolizing your newfound understanding.
3. **Practicality**: A more mundane explanation is that it might be easier to have the tassel start on the right side since most people are right-handed, making it simpler for students to adjust their caps during the ceremony.
**What happens when you graduate?**
As you receive your diploma and complete your graduation ceremony, the tradition is to move the tassel from the right side (the "old maid" side) to the **left side**, marking your official transition from student to alumnus/alumna. This change represents the culmination of your educational journey and the start of a new chapter in your life.
So, there you have it! The tassel starts on the right side as you begin your graduation ceremony, but ultimately moves to the left side to signify your achievement and newfound status as a high school graduate.
Graduation tassel rules can vary depending on the institution or tradition, but here are some general guidelines:
1. **Color**: The most common colors for graduation tassels are:
* Black: Typically used by colleges and universities.
* Gold: Often used by high schools, but also common among liberal arts colleges.
* Silver: May be used by technical or vocational institutions.
2. **Direction**: The direction of the tassel is often significant:
* Pointing to the right (or facing away from the graduate): Indicates that the student has not yet graduated and is still a candidate for their degree.
* Pointing to the left (or facing towards the graduate): Indicates that the student has completed all requirements and is officially graduating.
3. **Wearing**: Graduates usually wear the tassel on their mortarboard cap, with the correct side facing forward:
* Before graduation: The tassel points away from the graduate (to the right).
* During the ceremony: The tassel is flipped to point towards the graduate (to the left) as a symbol of completion and achievement.
4. **Timing**: Some institutions may have specific rules about when the tassel can be flipped:
* Only during the graduation ceremony: To ensure that all graduates are recognized and celebrated at the same time.
* At a specific moment: Such as when the graduate's name is announced, they receive their diploma, or after a certain milestone in the ceremony.
It's essential to check with your institution or consult with faculty advisors if you're unsure about the tassel rules for your graduation.
A question that can spark debate and nostalgia among many!
The answer, however, is straightforward: The tassel on a master's degree goes to the right.
Here's why:
1. **Tradition**: This tradition dates back to the early days of universities in Europe. According to legend, the tassel was originally worn by scholars who had completed their studies and were ready to enter the world. The right side symbolized the scholar's readiness to receive wisdom from the right hand (i.e., God) while wearing the tassel on the left side would have meant being open to receiving wisdom from the devil.
2. **Symbolism**: Wearing the tassel on the right side has been interpreted as a sign of wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth. It's also seen as a nod to the right-handed nature of many academic pursuits, such as writing, research, and intellectual inquiry.
In the United States, this tradition is widely followed by most universities, including top institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
Now, it's worth noting that some universities or departments might have their own unique traditions or variations. However, for the majority of master's degree recipients, the tassel goes to the right!
A question that has sparked debate and discussion among many a college student, especially during graduation season!
The age-old question: "On which side does the tassel start?"
According to tradition, the tassel on a mortarboard (the square cap worn by graduates) typically starts on the right side. This is because, historically, the tassel was hung on the left side of the cap, symbolizing the student's journey from darkness to light, with the tassel moving to the right as they completed their education and "graduated" into the light.
However, there are some schools or institutions that may have their own customs or traditions regarding the tassel. Some might start it on the left side, while others might not have a specific rule at all!
So, what does Reddit say about this? Well, according to various posts and discussions on the platform, opinions seem to be divided:
* Some Redditors argue that the traditional way is to start the tassel on the right side, as I mentioned earlier.
* Others claim that their school or institution starts it on the left side, so they think that's the "correct" way to wear it.
* A few individuals have shared that their school doesn't really care about which side the tassel starts on, so they just do what feels comfortable!
* And then there are those who simply don't know or don't care, as long as the tassel is attached and looking good!
In the end, I suppose it's all a matter of personal preference and tradition. As long as you're feeling confident and proud to be graduating, that's all that matters!
For a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), the tradition is to wear the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap. This is because the PhD degree is considered the highest academic achievement, and the right side represents the "right" or correct path forward.
In the United States, the most common convention is to wear the tassel on the right side for doctoral degrees, including Ph.D., Ed.D., and DBA. This tradition is observed by many universities and institutions across the country.
It's worth noting that some universities or programs may have their own unique traditions or customs regarding the placement of the tassel. If you're unsure about the specific convention at your institution, it's always a good idea to check with your academic department or graduation committee for guidance.
The tradition of the graduation tassel!
In many cultures, the graduation tassel is a significant symbol of academic achievement. The tradition varies across institutions and regions, but here's a common interpretation:
**Before Graduation:** When the student wears their tassel on the "wrong" side (usually the left side), it signifies that they are still in the process of earning their degree. The tassel is often a neutral color or has no distinction between the two sides.
**After Graduation:** Once the student has completed all the requirements and earned their degree, the tassel is moved to the "right" side (or sometimes flipped upwards). This change signifies that they have achieved their academic goal and are now officially a graduate!
In some cases, institutions may have specific rules or customs regarding the tassel's movement. For example:
1. Some universities require students to wear their tassel on the left side until they have completed all their coursework, and then move it to the right side upon graduation.
2. Other institutions might use different colors for the two sides of the tassel, with the left side representing "before" and the right side representing "after."
3. In some cultures, the tassel is not simply moved from one side to another but is actually replaced with a new, more formal or decorated tassel after graduation.
Overall, the graduation tassel serves as a visual representation of academic accomplishment and marks an important milestone in a student's life.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Wearing a graduation cap and tassel is an important part of the ceremony, and here's a quick guide on how to wear it:
**How to Wear a Graduation Cap (Tams or Mortarboard)**
1. **Position the cap**: Place the cap on your head with the flat side facing forward and the curved brim pointing outward. Make sure the cap is level and not tilted.
2. **Adjust the fit**: The cap should be snug but not too tight. You can adjust the size by adding or removing the velvet or satin insert underneath.
3. **Secure the cap**: Use the chin strap or Velcro to keep the cap in place. Make sure it's secure, but not too tight.
**How to Wear a Graduation Tassel**
1. **Attach the tassel**: The tassel should be attached to the cap by a string or cord. If yours isn't already attached, you can use a small pin or clip to secure it.
2. **Position the tassel**: Place the tassel on the right side of your cap, just above the brim. This is traditional for most graduation ceremonies.
3. **Adjust the length**: Make sure the tassel is at a comfortable length and not too long or short.
**Tips**
* Practice wearing your cap and tassel before the ceremony to ensure you feel comfortable with it.
* Consider having someone help you adjust the fit of your cap or tassel if needed.
* On the day of the ceremony, arrive early to give yourself time to get settled and comfortable in your regalia.
* Don't forget to take photos! Wearing your graduation cap and tassel is a special moment to capture.
Remember, wearing your graduation cap and tassel is an important part of the ceremony. Enjoy this milestone moment with your fellow graduates!
The "Turning of the Tassel" script!
The script you're referring to is likely the one written by James Whitmore, Jr. for the 1992 film "Higher Learning". The movie explores themes of racism, identity, and social issues on a college campus.
In this iconic scene, Malcolm X (played by Laurence Fishburne) delivers an impassioned speech to a group of students, urging them to take control of their lives and destinies. The tassel-turning ceremony serves as a metaphor for the turning point in one's life, where individuals must make conscious choices about who they want to be.
The script is known for its powerful dialogue, poignant performances, and thought-provoking themes. It has become an integral part of pop culture and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Would you like me to provide more information on the film "Higher Learning" or James Whitmore Jr.'s work in general?