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, marking the official conferral of the degree during the ceremony. This custom originated in the United States and is commonly practiced in academic settings to signify academic achievement.
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.
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.
turning of the tassel script
Turning of the tassel is a traditional ritual in many English-speaking graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. During the ceremony, graduates wear caps with tassels initially positioned on the right side. At a designated moment, often after receiving diplomas or upon a cue from the presiding official, participants move the tassel to the left side. A typical script for this part might include the officiant saying: "Graduates, as you turn your tassels to the left, you mark the end of your studies and the beginning of your future endeavors. Please turn your tassels now." This act is a simple, symbolic gesture that concludes the formal academic recognition.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules generally follow guidelines from the American Council on Education (ACE) and can vary by institution. The tassel is typically worn on the left side of the mortarboard cap throughout the ceremony, unlike undergraduate tassels which are moved from right to left upon graduation.
Tassel colors often represent the field of study, with common ACE standards including:
- Black for most general master's degrees
- Drab (light brown) for business
- White for arts and letters
- Golden yellow for science
- Light blue for education
- Purple for law or philosophy
Always check with your specific university, as some schools use custom colors or additional rules, such as prohibiting personalization of tassels. Tassels are usually provided by the institution or purchased from approved vendors to ensure compliance.