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 generally involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony to signify that the student has not yet officially graduated. During the ceremony, typically after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment like the commencement speech, the student moves the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent the field of study, school, or honors status, such as gold for business or red for journalism, and these are determined by the institution's guidelines. Some schools may have additional rules, like restrictions on customizing tassels or specific protocols for multiple degrees. Always check with your school for exact procedures, as rules can vary.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For doctorate graduations in many U.S. academic traditions, the tassel on the mortarboard cap is typically worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This distinguishes doctorate recipients from undergraduates, who often start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left upon degree conferral. Customs can vary by institution, so it's advisable to check specific guidelines from the university.





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, nylon, or similar materials and features a small, often colorful, knot or bead at the end. The tassel's color can represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for philosophy. During the ceremony, it is traditionally worn on the right side and flipped to the left to symbolize the completion of studies. Tassels add a personalized and ceremonial element to the cap, reflecting academic traditions in many educational systems.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, place the cap on your head with the mortarboard flat and the front edge aligned with your forehead. Hang the tassel over the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony. Once your degree is conferred or as instructed by the event coordinator, slide the tassel to the left side to signify graduation. Ensure the tassel is secure and doesn't obstruct your view. For most ceremonies, use a standard black or school-colored tassel, and if it has a year charm, position it facing forward.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, during academic ceremonies. Graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which starts on the right side. At a key moment, often after receiving their diploma or as directed by the ceremony leader, they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act represents the completion of their studies and the transition from student to graduate.





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, country, or specific school traditions. Common tassel color meanings include:

Black for arts, humanities, or general studies; blue for philosophy, education, or sometimes nursing; gold or yellow for science, engineering, or business; green for medicine or pharmacy; orange for engineering or industrial arts; purple for law or jurisprudence; red for journalism, theology, or social sciences; white for arts and letters or liberal arts; and pink for music or fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations, as customs differ.