"What side is your tassel on?" - a classic question!
On Reddit, this topic has sparked some interesting discussions and debates. Here are some highlights:
**The significance:** For many students, the tassel's position on their mortarboard cap represents a milestone in their academic journey. Traditionally, the tassel is moved to the opposite side of the cap after graduation, symbolizing the transition from student to alumni.
**Diverse opinions:** On Reddit, users shared their thoughts on what side their tassel should be on before graduation:
1. **The traditionalists:** Many students and graduates argued that the tassel should always face forward (or "the future") until graduation day, when it's officially moved to the opposite side.
2. **The rebels:** Some users joked that they'd keep the tassel on the "student" side even after graduation, embracing their inner student forever!
3. **The pragmatists:** Others pointed out that the tassel's position doesn't really matter; it's just a small part of the overall graduation experience.
**Personal anecdotes and humor:** Many Redditors shared humorous stories about their own graduation experiences, like accidentally leaving the tassel on the wrong side or having a silly tradition around moving it. One user even joked that they had to reattach their tassel after forgetting to move it during the ceremony!
**The takeaway:** Ultimately, what side your tassel is on before graduation might not be as important as the significance of the moment itself - the culmination of hard work and dedication.
A crucial aspect of graduation ceremonies!
Graduation tassel rules can vary depending on the institution, department, or even individual tradition. However, here are some common guidelines:
1. **Tassel color**: The tassel color typically represents the student's academic level:
* Undergraduate: Typically gold, yellow, or orange.
* Graduate (Master's): Often silver, gray, or blue.
* Doctoral: Usually gold, black, or a combination of both.
2. **Wearing the tassel**: The tassel is usually worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap:
* Before graduation, the tassel faces the front of the cap (toward the audience).
* During the ceremony, when the graduates are called to walk across the stage, they typically move the tassel from the front to the back of the cap (or vice versa) as a symbol of their accomplishment.
3. **Tassel movement**: Some institutions have specific rules about how the tassel is moved during the ceremony:
* Some schools require graduates to move the tassel from the front to the back (symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus/alumna).
* Others may allow students to choose whether to move it or keep it in its original position.
4. **Keeping the tassel**: After graduation, students often get to keep their tassel as a keepsake:
* Some institutions may have specific rules about who gets to keep the tassel (e.g., only graduates who complete the ceremony).
* Others might allow students to pass it down to younger relatives or friends.
Remember that these rules are not set in stone, and individual institutions or departments may have their own unique traditions. It's always a good idea to check with your academic department or school administration for specific guidelines on graduation tassel use.
I didn't think of that one!
In many institutions, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side before graduation. This signifies that the individual has not yet earned their degree.
After graduation, when the degree is officially conferred, the tassel is moved to the left side of the cap. This symbolizes that the individual has now earned their degree and is no longer "in progress" or awaiting completion.
So, to summarize:
* Before graduation: Tassel on right side (representing "not yet" or "in progress")
* After graduation: Tassel on left side (representing "done" or "earned")
Thanks for pointing out this important detail!
Traditionally, the tassel of a mortarboard cap (the type of cap worn by graduates) is worn on the right side. This is because the right side is considered the "correct" or "proper" side to wear the tassel.
According to the rules of mortarboard etiquette, if you're an undergraduate student, the tassel goes on the left side. However, for a master's degree and above (including doctorates), the tassel should be worn on the right side.
So, to summarize:
* Undergraduate: Tassel on the left
* Master's and above: Tassel on the right
For a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D., the tradition is to wear the tassel on the right side of your mortarboard cap.
This custom originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has been adopted by many universities and academic institutions around the world. The tradition is thought to have started at Harvard University, where doctoral graduates wore their caps with the tassel on the left side during the American Revolution. After the war, the tradition was reversed, and the tassel began to be worn on the right side.
According to one popular explanation, the change was made to symbolize the fact that the tassel's dangling end now represented the student's new status as a "doctor" (Latin: "doctus"), with the tassel's movement signifying the transition from student to expert.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Wearing a graduation cap tassel is a significant part of the traditional graduation attire. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wear it:
**For Graduates:**
1. **Positioning:** The tassel should be worn on the right side of the mortarboard (graduation cap). This is an important tradition, as it symbolizes your transition from being a student to becoming a professional.
2. **Length:** Adjust the tassel so that it hangs about 1-2 inches below the edge of the mortarboard.
3. **Direction:** The tassel should point towards the right side of your head, with the end of the tassel facing downwards.
**For Guests:**
If you're attending a graduation ceremony as a guest, here are some etiquette tips:
1. **Respect tradition:** Refrain from touching or adjusting the graduate's tassel during the ceremony.
2. **Don't move it:** If the tassel falls off or becomes askew, let the graduate handle it themselves. Avoid trying to adjust it for them.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Some institutions may have specific guidelines on how to wear the tassel, so be sure to check with your school or department if you're unsure.
* If you're a student who's part of a honor society or academic program, you may be required to wear a special tassel or pin.
* Traditionally, the tassel is worn in the "not yet" position (right side) during the graduation ceremony and then moved to the "just earned" position (left side) after the graduate has received their diploma.
Remember to take pride in your achievement and enjoy this significant milestone!
You're referring to the script for the iconic moment in college graduations where students turn their tassels from one color to another, symbolizing their transition from students to graduates!
Here's a sample script you could use:
**Turning of the Tassel Ceremony Script**
[Host/Emcee speaks]
Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, faculty, and esteemed guests, it is my honor to present to you our [Year] graduating class! As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we gather to mark a significant milestone in the lives of these remarkable individuals.
[Pause for applause]
As they stand before us today, proud of their accomplishments and ready to take on the world, we invite them to turn the tassel from [original color] to [new color]. This simple yet powerful gesture represents the transformation from student to graduate, signifying a new chapter in their journey.
[Dramatic pause]
And now, it is my pleasure to ask our esteemed faculty and staff members to join me in this momentous occasion. Please turn your tassels with us!
[Pause for audience participation]
Together, we turn our tassels... [pause] ...and welcome these new graduates to the next phase of their lives! Congratulations, class of [Year]!
[Applause and cheering]
Feel free to modify this script to fit your specific needs and style. Remember to keep it concise, engaging, and meaningful for your graduating students and audience.
Another great tradition!
The graduation cap tassel is a traditional symbol of academic achievement, and the color can hold significant meaning. Here's what each color typically represents:
1. **Gold**: Gold tassels often represent excellence, achievement, or honor. In some institutions, gold is the standard color for master's degrees.
2. **Silver/Gray**: Silver or gray tassels are commonly associated with bachelor's degrees, symbolizing a strong foundation in knowledge and preparation for the next step.
3. **Green**: Green tassels can signify growth, renewal, or harmony. In some cases, green may represent environmental studies or sustainability-focused programs.
4. **Blue**: Blue tassels might represent creativity, inspiration, or excellence in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.
5. **Red**: Red tassels often symbolize passion, courage, or leadership, and are sometimes used for programs related to business, engineering, or science.
6. **Purple**: Purple tassels may represent creativity, luxury, or wisdom, and are occasionally used for degrees in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.
7. **White**: White tassels can signify purity, innocence, or simplicity, and might be used for programs related to education, healthcare, or the arts.
8. **Black**: Black tassels sometimes represent power, elegance, or sophistication, and are occasionally used for degrees in law, business, or engineering.
Keep in mind that not all institutions follow these traditional color associations, and some may have their own unique meanings. Additionally, some students might choose to wear a non-traditional color as a personal statement or to reflect their program's specific theme or focus.
Remember, the tassel is a symbol of academic achievement and perseverance. Whether you're graduating with honors or simply proud of your accomplishments, that moment is a significant milestone in your life!