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
In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
For most graduations, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head with the front pointing forward, ensuring it's level and secure. Hang the tassel on the right side of the cap, draping it over the right edge so it swings freely.
During the ceremony, keep the tassel on the right until instructed—typically after receiving your diploma or at a specific signal. To move it, simply reach up and slide the tassel loop or attachment from the right side to the left side of the cap.
Make sure the tassel is centered on the cap and not tangled for a neat appearance. If your cap has a button or loop, attach the tassel securely to it before the event.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For doctoral graduations in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the graduation cap is typically worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral. However, practices can vary by institution or country. Tassel colors for doctorates are usually gold or discipline-specific, but the side remains a symbolic element of academic achievement.
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.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational systems, 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 degree, marking the transition from student to graduate, and is often done at the end of the ceremony after receiving a diploma.
when do you move your tassel for graduation
In most graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, you move your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left side after receiving your diploma or when directed by the ceremony leader, symbolizing the completion of your degree. This tradition can vary slightly by institution, so it's best to follow the specific instructions provided by your school.