why do you move your tassel from right to left
The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left symbolizes the transition from student to graduate, marking the official conferral of the degree during the ceremony. This custom originated in the United States and is commonly practiced in academic settings to signify academic achievement.
graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent specific fields of study, honors, or institutions—for example, gold for high honors or colors like blue for education or green for medicine. These rules can vary by school, country, or event, so it's best to check with the specific institution for exact guidelines.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side. After graduation, it is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For doctoral graduations in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the graduation cap is typically worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral. However, practices can vary by institution or country. Tassel colors for doctorates are usually gold or discipline-specific, but the side remains a symbolic element of academic achievement.
graduation cap tassel
A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord or string attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, commonly worn during academic graduation ceremonies. It is typically made of silk, rayon, or synthetic materials and hangs from a button or loop on the cap. Tassels often come in specific colors that represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for education. During the ceremony, the tassel is traditionally flipped from one side of the cap to the other, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by country and institution but is a widespread tradition in English-speaking educational systems.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, attach it to the button or loop on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the degree is conferred. Once you receive your degree, move the tassel to the left side as a symbol of completion. Ensure the cap sits flat on your head with the tassel hanging straight down the chosen side.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, where graduates move the tassel on their mortarboard cap from the right side to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their degree, marking the transition from student to graduate, and is often done at the end of the ceremony after receiving a diploma.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
The color of a graduation cap tassel typically represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:
Black for arts and sciences, blue for education or philosophy, gold for science or engineering, green for medicine, orange for engineering, purple for law, red for journalism or theology, white for arts and letters, and yellow for business or social sciences. Some schools use other colors for specific programs, such as pink for music or brown for fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations.