Fascinating Meanings Behind Graduation Traditions

Originally published inThe Belton Journal prior to the availability of their digital archive

Excitement is in the air. Cards of congratulations, party banners, and stuffed bears in graduation gowns begin to fill the stores. Eager high school seniors and exhausted college undergrads proudly pose for photos in their regalia and decorate their graduation caps. Graduation is just around the corner for scholars of all levels, and their friends and family are ready to celebrate their accomplishments. While most graduation traditions today might seem fairly standard, there are fascinating origin stories behind each and every one of them.

Graduates of all academic levels wear the classic graduation robes and strange square caps adorned with tassels. However, there are many more pieces that complete the academic costume, and they all have specific meanings that coincide with the level of academic achievement. According to an article in The Washington Post, the tradition of wearing academic regalia dates back to 12th century Europe when the first universities were founded. At this time, gowns were worn by clergy and students alike as a way to distinguish them from laypeople, as well as a way to stay warm in drafty buildings. Strict academic dress-code was enforced well into the 1800s, until the American Council on Education created a new standard of academic dress in 1895. Over the centuries, academic garb has continued to evolve and has become more standardized, though it still varies by university. According to The Washington Post, the American Council on Education recommends that most graduates wear black gowns, but Ph.D. candidates often wear dark blue robes adorned in velvet. However, much of the color variation and symbolism can be found in the hood colors, which vary according to discipline and degree level. For example, a criminal justice major may be required to wear a dark blue hood, while a literature student would likely wear one that is white. Typically, only students with advanced degrees wear hoods, and, according to The Spruce, the hood color varieties came about with the establishment of the American Academic Costume Code in 1893.

The graduation robes are not the only important part of the outfit worn on graduation day. The tassel that adorns the graduation cap is a very symbolic part of academic regalia. According to an article in JD News, tassels date back to the 14th century and represent various levels of education, which has not changed for today’s graduates. The caps, also known as mortarboard, have historically been embellished with colored tassels to represent each graduating class, whereas the tassels on the honor cords, worn about the shoulders, represent a particular group, such as a field of study or an honor society. The turning of the tassel, which simply means moving it from the right side of the cap to the left, symbolizes the fact that the student has received their diploma and has officially become a degreed scholar.

Finally, on the day of the graduation ceremony, as the graduates proudly walk across the stage, there is usually a very recognizable tune booming through the speakers. While many of us colloquially refer to the familiar processional as “the Graduation March,” it is officially called Pomp and Circumstance, and it has an interesting origin story. According to an article in The Smithsonian Magazine, the song was composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901 and was used during the coronation of Edward VII in 1902; however, it was not until 1906, when Elgar received an honorary degree from Yale, that it was first played during a graduation ceremony. Interestingly, according to Christopher Woolf of Public Radio International, it is only common in American tradition for this British song to be played during graduation processions.

Regardless of the gown type, hood color, or presence of honor cords, the opportunity to wear graduation garb of any sort is a privilege that symbolizes exceptional academic achievement of all levels, and they are all worth celebrating.