graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the event. At a key moment—often right after receiving a diploma or at the ceremony's end—the graduate moves the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their official transition from student to graduate.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
In many graduation ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event. Moving it to the left side signifies the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in American universities and is a symbolic gesture of academic achievement.
graduation cap tassel
A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord attached to the top of a mortarboard cap worn during academic ceremonies like graduations. It typically features a looped end that secures to a button on the cap, with the rest hanging down and often ending in a cluster of threads or beads. Tassels are usually made from materials like silk or rayon and come in various colors, which may signify the graduate's field of study, degree level, or school affiliation. In many traditions, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is flipped to the left after the graduate receives their diploma, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Tassel colors on graduation caps typically represent the graduate's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Here are common associations in U.S. academic traditions:
- Agriculture: Maize (yellow)
- Architecture: Blue-violet
- Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
- Business Administration: Drab (light brown)
- Education: Light blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Law: Purple
- Library Science: Lemon yellow
- Medicine: Kelly green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Philosophy: Dark blue
- Physical Education: Sage green
- Science: Golden yellow
- Social Work: Citron
- Theology: Scarlet
Some schools use black or school-specific colors for general degrees, and international practices may differ. Always check with the specific university for exact meanings.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the cap on your head so it sits flat and level, with the front edge about an inch above your eyebrows and the back parallel to the floor. Attach the tassel to the button on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after your name is called or degrees are conferred, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Adjust as needed for comfort and to keep it from obstructing your view.
turning of the tassel script
Turning of the tassel is a traditional ritual in many English-speaking graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. During the ceremony, graduates wear caps with tassels initially positioned on the right side. At a designated moment, often after receiving diplomas or upon a cue from the presiding official, participants move the tassel to the left side. A typical script for this part might include the officiant saying: "Graduates, as you turn your tassels to the left, you mark the end of your studies and the beginning of your future endeavors. Please turn your tassels now." This act is a simple, symbolic gesture that concludes the formal academic recognition.