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. In many ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel starts on the right side to represent being a student, and it's moved to the left after receiving your diploma to signify completion of your studies and entry into the alumni community. This custom varies by institution but is a common way to mark academic achievement.
graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules generally apply to academic ceremonies, particularly in the United States and similar traditions. Tassels are attached to mortarboards and follow these guidelines:
- Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony to indicate the student has not yet graduated.
- During the event, typically after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment, the tassel is moved to the left side to symbolize the transition to graduate status.
- Tassel colors often represent the field of study, degree level, or honors; for example, gold might signify business, while specific schools set their own color codes.
- Rules can vary by institution; some high schools or colleges may have unique customs, such as not moving the tassel or using multiple tassels for joint degrees.
- In some cases, honor cords or stoles are worn alongside the tassel to denote achievements, but the tassel itself remains the primary symbol.
what side does the tassel go on for doctorate
For a doctorate, the tassel on the graduation cap is traditionally worn on the left side.
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 graduation, during the ceremony, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the transition to graduate status.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the cap on your head so it sits level and flat, with the front point facing forward. For most undergraduate ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side initially. Ensure the cap is secure and comfortable. During the ceremony, keep the tassel on the right until you are instructed to move it, which typically happens after receiving your degree or at the end of the event—then, switch it to the left side as a symbol of completion. If you have a master's or doctoral degree, the tassel may start on the left side from the beginning, depending on your institution's traditions. Always check with your school for any specific guidelines.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many educational ceremonies, especially in the United States. During the event, graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. They move the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side, typically after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, to signify the completion of their studies and their official transition from student to graduate. This act is often a personal or ceremonial highlight, marking academic achievement.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
The color of a graduation cap tassel often represents the field of study or type of degree, though meanings can vary by institution, country, and ceremony traditions. Here are some common tassel color associations in the United States:
- Black: Typically for arts, letters, or general bachelor's degrees.
- Blue (light): Education or philosophy.
- Blue (dark): Often for master's degrees or philosophy.
- Gold or yellow: Sciences, engineering, or business.
- Green: Medicine, pharmacy, or health-related fields.
- Orange: Engineering or industrial arts.
- Purple: Law, architecture, or government.
- Red: Journalism, music, theology, or humanities.
- Silver: Medicine or veterinary science.
- White: Arts and letters, or sometimes for all degrees in some schools.
Always check with your specific school, as colors may differ based on their guidelines. For example, some universities use the same color for multiple fields or have unique customs. Tassels are sometimes flipped from one side to the other during the ceremony to symbolize the transition from student to graduate.
graduation tassel 2025
A graduation tassel for 2025 is a decorative cord attached to a mortarboard cap, typically made of silk or synthetic material, and customized with the year "2025" to represent the graduating class. It's a traditional symbol in academic ceremonies, often worn by students and flipped from one side of the cap to the other during the event to signify completion of studies. These tassels can be purchased from school stores, online retailers like Amazon, or graduation supply companies, and they come in various colors to match school or degree requirements.