why do you move your tassel from right to left
The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, to mark the moment of achievement.
graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules vary by institution but generally follow these traditions in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States:
Tassels are attached to the mortarboard cap and often color-coded to represent the degree field or academic honors. For most ceremonies, wear the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment like the commencement speech, move the tassel to the left side to signify the transition from student to graduate.
Some schools have specific variations: honors students might wear a gold tassel or keep it on the left from the start, and certain programs could require tassels on the left initially. Always check with your school for exact guidelines, as rules can differ by region or institution.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side. After the ceremony, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For a doctorate graduation in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the academic cap is typically worn on the left side. This signifies that the degree has been conferred, distinguishing it from undergraduate ceremonies where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion. However, customs can vary by institution, so it's advisable to check specific university guidelines.
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.
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, country, or specific school traditions. Common tassel color meanings include:
Black for arts, humanities, or general studies; blue for philosophy, education, or sometimes nursing; gold or yellow for science, engineering, or business; green for medicine or pharmacy; orange for engineering or industrial arts; purple for law or jurisprudence; red for journalism, theology, or social sciences; white for arts and letters or liberal arts; and pink for music or fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations, as customs differ.
mortarboard tassel
A mortarboard tassel is a decorative cord attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, the square academic hat worn during graduation ceremonies. Typically made of silk or synthetic material, it features a knot at the end and hangs down from the center. The tassel's color often signifies the wearer's degree or field of study—for example, gold for science or blue for philosophy. During the ceremony, graduates may move the tassel from the right side to the left to symbolize the completion of their education.