Why is it called a mortarboard?

The term for the modern cap, mortarboard, stems from its resemblance to a mason's square board for carrying mortar. One of the earliest recorded references appeared in the 1853 novel “The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green, an Oxford Freshman.”

Why do you wear a mortarboard at graduation?

The mortarboard, better known as the “graduation cap” or “Oxford cap” has been a part of traditional academic attire since the 1800s, though some believe it dates back as early as the 1300s in Europe when university professors, often members of the clergy, would wear long gowns and caps to stay warm while teaching in ...

Who invented the mortarboard?

During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was called a “corner-cap”. By 1950, a Catholic priest named Joseph Durham and an inventor named Edward O'Reilly were working together to file a mortarboard patent in the United States.

Is a mortarboard a hat?

Definition. a hat with a stiff square top, worn as a sign of academic achievement. Mortarboards were traditionally worn by teachers.

Where did cap gowns originate?

When did graduates start wearing caps and gown? The tradition goes back to 12th century Europe, when the first universities were founded. According to Columbia University, gowns and hoods were worn by clergy, and their students adopted the same garb.

Why Do Graduates Wear Caps and Gowns and Judges Wear Robes?

What is the history of the mortarboard?

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.

Why do only female graduates wear caps?

Like many other traditions in Ireland, the Catholic church had some influence over this social norm. Men are expected to remove hats in places of worship, as a mark of respect and to avoid “dishonouring” his head, while women are required to remain covered during acts of worship.

How do you wear a mortarboard?

How do you wear a mortarboard? Wear your mortarboard like the academic pro you are. Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

What is the tassel on a mortar board called?

Although the four-cornered, tasselled black cap – commonly known as a mortarboard hat – is now synonymous with academic accomplishments, it hasn't always been a part of the scholarly tradition. In fact, the iconic brim was once nearly replaced by a squat chef's hat.

Why do masters robes have long sleeves?

Today, master's gowns are generally worn closed, but for the first sixty-five years of American academic costume history, they were worn open in the front. The sleeve design of the master's gown required a jacket to be worn underneath, otherwise the wearer's bare arms would show and create an awkward appearance.

What is the string on a graduation hat called?

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.

What does the cap and gown symbolize?

After the Civil War, academic regalia was reserved strictly for graduation. For that reason, the cap and gown symbolize recognition and achievement. While hoods are no longer in use for warmth, they remain in use as a decorative piece representing one's field of study.

What is it called when you throw your graduation cap in the air?

The tradition of throwing the mortarboard — named for its resemblance to a tool used by masons to hold mortar and made fashionable in the 14th and 15th centuries by artists and students — started at the Naval Academy in 1912.

Why are grad caps square?

square, became symbols of varying prestige. At Oxford University in the 17th century, undergraduates were resigned to the older, rounded caps, while those with higher degrees were allowed to wear pileus quadratus. By 1675, aristocratic undergraduates were given permission to wear the square caps as well.

What do the tassels mean?

Definition of tassel

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end. 2 : something resembling a tassel especially : the terminal male inflorescence of some plants and especially corn.

Do masters students decorate their caps?

Some graduates may choose to add their own special touch by decorating their caps and some may even choose to make cap decorating a fun event to do with friends. However, it may be difficult to come up with creative ways to represent one's personality or college experience.

Do you keep your graduation gown?

Along with being far cheaper to produce, they've been touted as “keepsake” items that graduates must purchase — and, eventually, dispose of. Most graduates keep only the tassel from their hat, tossing the cap and gown as soon as the ceremony ends.

What side does the tassel go on for doctorate?

College - Post-Graduate Degrees

For a Master or Doctoral degree, tassels should be worn on the left side of the cap and stays there during the entire commemcement ceremony.

Why don t Durham graduates wear hats?

Hats wore worn by men and women at Durham from the time of the first women graduates in 1895. But hat-wearing in general declined after WW2, and square academic caps were expensive/difficult for the robemaker to supply.

What does a GREY graduation gown mean?

Typically, silver is used to represent the communications field, including Broadcasting, Oratory, and general communications. Meanwhile, Veterinary Science graduates have a darker gray trim on their gowns.

Are masters gowns different than bachelors UK?

The gowns most commonly worn, that of the clerical type gowns of Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA), are substantially the same throughout the English-speaking world.

Why graduation gown is black?

The gowns and hoods (often brown or black in color) worn by students signified their religious status, marking their difference from the laypeople of the town in which they studied. As Columbia University points out in its history of the regalia, that means the origins of “town and gown” divides were quite literal.

What is a hooded at graduation?

Page 1. The Hooding Ceremony is a special recognition ceremony for masters or doctoral degree candidates. During the ceremony, a faculty member places the doctoral hood over the head of the graduate, signifying their success in completing the graduate program.

What was the age of the youngest known college graduate at the time of graduation?

Michael Kearney earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology in 1994 at the age of 10 years and four months, making him the youngest person to graduate college ever.