The mortarboard, a distinctive official hat commonly seen at graduation ceremonies, owes its origins to Europe despite its popularity in Anglo-Saxon countries. Its name, “motorboard,” traces back to the French word “mortier,” referencing the hat’s square shape reminiscent of the mortar board used historically.
Originally worn as the biretta by the Italian clergy, this headgear gained prominence in France and Italy from the 13th century. It proudly adorned the heads of scholars in the earliest European universities like Sorbonne, Stanford, and Harvard. A potent symbol of knowledge, it has endured over time, crossing the Atlantic to remain a steadfast companion of students.
In recent times, these graduation hats have surged in usage, evolving into an iconic symbol and an essential accessory in ceremonies marking the culmination of higher education. They signify the celebration of achievement, encapsulating the journey of learning and success.
Components of a graduation cap
The graduation cap, or mortarboard, comprises several distinct components:
- Rigid Top:
This forms the upper part of the hat, featuring a square and flattened design that characterises the hat’s appearance.
- Flexible Cap:
Serving as a base, this pliable section allows the hat to be comfortably secured on the head of each graduate. It provides the stability needed for the cap to sit securely during the ceremony.
- Traditional Pompom:
Symbolising the attainment of the diploma, the pompom holds ceremonial significance. Initially positioned on the right side at the commencement of the ceremony, it is ceremoniously shifted to the left side once the student receives their promotion or graduation status. This movement symbolises the transition and achievement within the academic journey.
An act of rebellion?
Certainly, the enduring image of students tossing their caps in the air at the conclusion of a commencement speech evokes a moment of jubilation and fulfilment.
Yet, beneath this celebration lies traces of rebellion intertwined with its history. The tradition finds its roots in the early 20th century, inspired by an act of defiance within the United States Navy.
In 1912, during a ceremony attended by President William Howard Taft, a graduate boldly removed his cap and flung it skyward—a gesture symbolising both rebellion and a sense of relief.
Surprisingly, the vigilant veterans overseeing the event remained unable to intervene. Eventually, this act sparked a chain reaction, leading all the Marines present to cast their caps aloft, forever engraving the iconic image of graduation celebrations as we know them today.
What’s the academic symbolism of a graduation cap?
The academic hat holds profound symbolism within the ceremonial fabric of graduation, much like its counterpart, the long university toga. It embodies various significant aspects:
- Milestone Achievement: Signifying the culmination of years of dedicated study and the conclusion of student life, the hat marks the journey’s end, representing the arduous work completed.
- Academic Excellence: It stands as a beacon of academic accomplishment, showcasing the individual’s success and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
- Professional and Academic Affiliation: Wearing this hat signifies belonging to a prestigious academic and professional network, connecting graduates to a larger community of scholars and professionals.
- Institutional Prestige: Reflecting the reputation of esteemed higher education establishments, the hat bears the honour and prestige associated with the university it represents.
Furthermore, it holds significant ceremonial importance, being the focal point of the iconic “toss of graduate hats” tradition. This moment, shared collectively by newly graduated students, marks the conclusion of the ceremony, encapsulating joy and achievement as hats soar into the air in unison.
As time passes, the academic hat becomes a cherished memento, encapsulating the essence of this remarkable day. It stands as a tangible keepsake, a material remembrance of a pivotal rite of passage—a blend of pride, solemnity, and celebration. It preserves the shared emotions and memories, serving as a poignant reminder of this special milestone shared with loved ones.
How to wear perfectly customised caps for graduation
Wearing a graduation cap may seem straightforward, but achieving the ideal fit and appearance requires attention to detail. Ensuring the cap remains secure and correctly positioned throughout the ceremony is key. Here are some meticulous guidelines to ensure your customized cap is worn with confidence and elegance:
- Cap Fit
The foundation of a well-worn cap starts with the fit. Improper sizing can result in discomfort or worse, falling off during the ceremony. To determine the right cap size, measure the circumference of your head using a measuring tape. Note down the measurement and opt for the larger size if torn between two numbers. A snug fit without being too tight is crucial to prevent any mishaps.
- Tassel Placement
The tassel holds significance in graduation ceremonies, symbolizing the transition from student life to graduation. Traditionally, high school graduates wear the tassel on the right side near the temple. After receiving diplomas, they ceremoniously move it to the left, an act symbolizing their transition. However, in higher education, the tassel starts on the left and remains there. The movement from left to right signifies achievement and the academic discipline mastered.
- Ensuring Symmetry
Maintaining symmetry is essential for the cap’s appearance. Ensure it sits evenly on your head, not tilted to one side or covering too much of your forehead. The upper part should align parallel to the ground, approximately an inch away from your eyebrows. This positioning guarantees your face remains fully visible both in person and in photographs.
To test if your cap is properly positioned, try placing a lightweight object on top and walk a few steps to gauge its stability. Confirm that the cap comfortably rests atop your head without pulling backward. Additionally, check the tassel’s position, it shouldn’t obstruct your face.
- Final Touches
Before the ceremony commences, perform a final check to ensure your cap is secure. Adjust it if necessary, straightening any tilts or imbalances. Gently shake your head to test its stability without dislodging. Confirm the tassel remains in its designated place, maintaining the symbolic meaning associated with its positioning.
Why are more people going for Customised caps for graduation?
In recent years, there has been a notable upsurge in the popularity of customized caps during graduation ceremonies. This trend is attributed to several factors that resonate with graduates, making personalized caps a sought-after choice for commemorating this significant milestone.
- Expression of Individuality and Creativity:
Customized graduation caps offer a canvas for graduates to express their individuality and creativity. With the ability to personalize designs, messages, quotes, or symbols, these caps become a unique representation of the graduate’s personality, passions, and achievements. It’s a chance to stand out amidst the sea of uniform academic regalia.
- Capturing Meaningful Memories:
Graduation is a monumental event marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Customized caps serve as tangible mementos, encapsulating the essence of this significant achievement. They become cherished keepsakes, preserving memories and symbolizing the academic journey undertaken.
- Symbolism and Representation:
The customization of caps allows graduates to showcase their academic accomplishments, university affiliations, field of study, or future aspirations. Embroidered logos, quotes, initials, or symbols add a symbolic layer to the cap, emphasizing the graduate’s educational journey and future endeavors.
- Social Media Influence and Sharing Culture:
In today’s digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in trends and personal celebrations. Customized caps offer graduates an opportunity to showcase their creativity and unique designs on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Sharing these personalized caps online has become a trend in itself, amplifying the excitement and visual appeal of graduation ceremonies.
- Celebration of Achievement:
The act of customizing graduation caps serves as a celebratory gesture, marking the successful completion of an academic chapter. It’s a way to commemorate the hard work, challenges, and accomplishments, turning the cap into a symbol of achievement.
- Fashion and Style Enhancement:
Beyond their traditional function, caps have evolved into fashion statements. Customization enables graduates to align their cap designs with their personal style preferences. They can complement their graduation attire, enhancing their overall appearance with a touch of creativity and flair.
- Tradition Reinvented:
The age-old tradition of tossing caps at the culmination of a graduation ceremony takes on a new dimension with customized caps. These uniquely designed caps add vibrancy and visual appeal to this iconic tradition, making the moment even more memorable and photogenic.
What footwear pairs best with your graduation cap?
Comfort is key, considering the lengthy standing periods during the ceremony. While sneakers might seem like an initial choice, their casual appeal might come across as too informal. Opting for high-quality leather shoes, complemented by accessories enhancing the overall look, proves to be an ideal choice.
As graduation ceremonies typically occur in May or June, favorable weather conditions allow for an array of options that exude both class and comfort:
- Oxford Shoes
Renowned for their elegance, Oxford shoes impeccably complement smart outfits, particularly suits. For those favoring a formal approach to graduation attire, pairing a suit and tie with Oxford shoes elevates sophistication.
Transitioning from classic to business-chic, these shoes, when paired with a high-quality suit, highlight their design and shape. Despite being associated with colder weather, certain perforated models offer breathability. Amp up your ensemble by pairing them with uniquely patterned socks, adding a dash of character to the traditional black shoes.
- Loafers
A comfortable yet refined choice for formal dressing, loafers remain a go-to selection for sophisticated summer events. The boat-shaped design molds to the foot, ensuring comfort and minimizing excessive sweating.
Whether worn with or without socks, these shoes effortlessly combine style and ease. Pair them with vibrant, colorful socks to enliven your outfit and create a more toned appearance.
- Espadrilles
An alternative to traditional dress shoes, leather espadrilles blend the elegance of loafers with the casual appeal of sneakers. Especially suitable for warm weather, these shoes offer comfort with their lightweight design.
Classic black leather espadrilles strike a balance, adding a relaxed touch to elegant chinos and a dress shirt. Typically worn sans dress socks, they offer a stylish and comfortable alternative.
Socks Selection Guide for Your Graduation Cap
To add vibrancy and personality to your outfit, consider opting for creatively colored socks. Whether you prefer a conservative or adventurous style, socks play a pivotal role in defining your look on this momentous occasion.
Here’s a guide to selecting the right socks:
- Patterned Socks
Patterns inject playfulness and distinction to any shoe type, enhancing their uniqueness. Pair men’s dress socks with classic black Oxford shoes or loafers to create a distinct statement. The fusion of different patterns with monochromatic shoes accentuates their design, drawing attention to the vibrant hues of the dress socks.
- Single-Colored Socks
For those aiming to tone down their look, single-coloured socks offer a seamless blend with the outfit (checkout Danami store), allowing the clothes to take centre stage. High-quality socks provide comfort while maintaining a sophisticated appeal. Consider experimenting with various shades of a single colour to improve your style.
- Multicolor Socks
Multicolor socks cater to individuals embracing diversity in their attire. Easy to match with differently coloured accessories, these vibrant socks complement monochromatic shoes effectively. As graduation caps and gowns often sport black, black shoes serve as the base, while accessories infuse excitement and charm into the ensemble.
Conclusion
The graduation cap, deeply rooted in European origins, symbolizes scholarly achievement and marks the end of an academic journey. Its components (the top, flexible cap, and pompom) reflect transition and celebration. This hat embodies academic excellence, institutional ties, and professional affiliation, epitomizing pride and celebration when tossed at ceremonies.
Customized caps have surged, allowing graduates to express individuality and commemorate their academic journey. In addition, footwear like Oxford shoes, loafers, or espadrilles, coupled with vibrant socks, balances style and comfort during ceremonies.
The cap signifies the end of academic pursuits, celebrating perseverance. Its evolving symbolism, coupled with customization and attire choices, reflects each graduating class’s unique spirit.
