These Graduation Cap Ideas Are the Final Touch You Need for the Ceremony (2024)

FAQs

What does the graduation cap symbolize? ›

In conclusion, the graduation cap and gown are not mere garments; they are emblems of knowledge, perseverance, and achievement. Their symbolism, rooted in history and tradition, encapsulates the journey of scholars across time.

If you don't feel comfortable freehand writing on the grad cap, you can first write out your quote art with a chalk pencil, then trace over it with the markers. Once you're happy with your design, let everything dry completely before starting your graduation celebrations!

The graduate hat (also known as an academic cap, graduate cap, mortarboard, or trencher) is part of the formal academic attire to be worn by graduating students (graduands) during the graduation ceremony.

They represent the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and intellectual pursuit, and they serve as a symbol of the knowledge and skills that students have acquired during their time in school. Moreover, graduation caps and gowns are also a sign of respect and admiration for the institution.

The colors of the hoods and tassels can also have specific meanings based on the field of study. For example, blue can represent philosophy, green can represent medicine, and purple can represent law.

“🎓” U+1F393 Graduation Cap Unicode Character.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

First and foremost, make sure you're allowed to decorate your cap. Most local schools allow you to but every school has its own policy. We also recommend gathering your friends so you can all do it together. It's a fun pre-graduation activity and a neat way to spend time together!

Mortarboard. This is the quintessential graduation cap. Many believe the name is inspired by the board where bricklayers place their mortar. Bachelor degree recipients wear this cap on graduation day, and most mortarboards are black, along with the gown.

What are other words for graduation cap? ›

Regardless of its origins, the name "mortarboard" has become synonymous with the graduation cap and is now used interchangeably with the term "academic cap."

Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

By the 14th century, universities like Oxford and Cambridge mandated that graduates wear caps and gowns as a symbol of unification. Today's graduation cap is also known as a mortarboard, because it resembles a tool for holding and applying mortar.

Academically, caps were typically worn to signify achievement in high levels of education (master's and doctorate degrees), but have since trickled down to other levels like bachelor's degrees, high school diplomas, and virtually any student celebrating a commencement.

Mortarboard caps are thought to have been created in the 15th century, as part of an evolution from a hat type known as a birettas which was used by Catholic clerics and professors. The distinctive square shape of a mortarboard is believed to signify a book, chosen in recognition of scholarly achievements.

Historians believe scholars wore long robes and hoods to keep warm in these unheated buildings. Unknown Medieval University class in the 1300s. The significance of the hood dates back to Celtic Groups and Druid priests who wore capes with hoods that symbolized higher intelligence and superiority.

Unicode Character “🎓” (U+1F393)

You have earned your degree and the right to wear the academic hood. The academic hood is a visual representation of your level of academic achievement and the scholastic degree being conferred. This hood has been designed within the guidelines established by the Intercollegiate Bureau Of Academic Costume.