why do you move your tassel from right to left
Moving the tassel from right to left on a graduation cap is a tradition in many academic ceremonies, particularly in the United States, to symbolize the transition from student to graduate. Initially, the tassel is worn on the right side to represent being a candidate for the degree. Once the degree is conferred, moving it to the left side signifies official completion and entry into the alumni community. This custom varies by institution and country but is a common rite of passage in Western educational traditions.
graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the cap on your head so it sits flat and level, with the front edge about an inch above your eyebrows and the back parallel to the floor. Attach the tassel to the button on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after your name is called or degrees are conferred, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Adjust as needed for comfort and to keep it from obstructing your view.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the wearer's field of study or degree type in academic ceremonies. Common meanings include:
- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Drab (light brown): Business, accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine, health sciences
- Pink: Music
- Apricot: Nursing
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Maize: Agriculture
Colors can vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific school for exact meanings.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a Master's degree, graduation tassel rules generally follow academic regalia traditions set by institutions like those in the U.S., based on guidelines from the American Council on Education. The tassel is typically worn on the left side from the start of the ceremony, unlike Bachelor's degrees where it often begins on the right and is moved to the left. Tassel colors usually represent the field of study—for example, gold for science, blue for philosophy, or dark blue for education—but this varies by university. Always check with your specific institution for exact rules, as practices can differ regionally or by school policy. Tassels are part of the cap and gown ensemble and should be standard size, often 9 inches long, made of silk or a similar material.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. During the event, often at the end of the ceremony, participants move the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their transition from student to graduate. It is a personal and celebratory moment, sometimes coordinated with the conferring of degrees.
graduation tassel 2025
A graduation tassel for 2025 is a decorative cord or strand attached to a mortarboard cap, symbolizing the academic year of graduation. It's often made from materials like silk or polyester, available in various colors that may represent a school, degree, or field of study. For the class of 2025, these tassels can be customized with the year printed on them and are commonly purchased from online retailers, school bookstores, or specialty shops for events like high school or college ceremonies. Prices typically range from $5 to $20, depending on material and customization options.