why do you move your tassel from right to left
The tradition of moving the graduation cap tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. It signifies that you have completed your academic studies and are now officially recognized as an alumnus or alumna. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, and dates back to academic traditions in Europe.
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 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, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so that the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows and the cap is level. Attach or position the tassel on the right side of the cap, ensuring it's hanging freely without obstructing your view. For most ceremonies, keep it on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and security.
graduation tassel side doctorate
In academic graduations, particularly in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the degree is conferred and moved to the left side afterward to symbolize the completion of studies. For doctorate recipients, this custom generally follows the same practice as for bachelor's or master's degrees, though specific traditions can vary by institution. Doctorate tassels are often distinguished by color, such as gold for certain fields, but the side placement aligns with the standard protocol.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational institutions, 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 academic program and their transition from student to graduate. It typically occurs at the end of the commencement ceremony, often after receiving a diploma or as directed by the presiding official.
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:
- White: Arts, humanities, letters
- Gold or yellow: Science, engineering
- Drab (light brown): Business administration
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering (in some systems)
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine
- Pink: Music
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Maize: Agriculture
- Scarlet: Theology
Always check with the specific school for accurate interpretations, as standards differ.