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 traditionally worn on the right side, symbolizing that the student has not yet completed their studies. After receiving the diploma during the ceremony, the graduate moves the tassel to the left side to signify the transition to being a degree holder. This custom varies by institution but is common in many English-speaking countries.
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.
what side does tassel go on for graduation pictures
For graduation pictures in the US, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving your diploma, symbolizing the completion of your studies. If the picture is meant to represent the pre-ceremony moment, keep it on the right; for post-ceremony, use the left. Always check with your school for any specific traditions.
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, 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 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:
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.