Introduction
Graduation is an exciting moment in every student’s life. It’s a time to celebrate years of hard work, dedication, and academic achievements. However, before you can walk the stage and receive your diploma, you need to don the traditional cap and gown. And one critical aspect of this iconic graduation attire is the placement of the graduation tassel.
If you’re unsure which side your tassel should go on, don’t worry. In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide to tassel placement, breaking down everything you need to know about this crucial element of graduation etiquette. By the end of this guide, you’ll know precisely how to wear your tassel properly and understand the history and symbolism behind it.
The Right Way to Wear Your Graduation Tassel: A Step-by-Step Guide
The proper placement of the graduation tassel depends on the type of degree being earned. For undergraduate and master’s degree recipients, the tassel should be worn on the right-hand side of the cap before the ceremony begins. Once the degree is conferred, the graduate can move the tassel to the left-hand side of the cap.
For doctoral recipients, the tassel is traditionally worn on the left-hand side of the cap throughout the ceremony. If the tassel is attached to a hood, it should fall over the left shoulder rather than the back.
It’s crucial to follow this order carefully, as it marks the significance of moving from candidate to graduate. Below is a step-by-step guide to wearing your graduation tassel properly:
- Place the graduation cap on your head, ensuring that it’s level and centered.
- Position the tassel on the right-hand side of the cap, aligned with your temple.
- During the ceremony, leave the tassel on the right-hand side until you receive your diploma.
- After your name is called and you walk the stage, move the tassel from right to left, signifying that you have officially graduated.
Remember, the side where the tassel should go for your degree may vary from school to school. You should always consult your school’s regulations or ask your graduation coordinator if you’re unsure.
Why The Tassel Goes on the Left for Graduation
Although the tradition of wearing a graduation cap and gown dates back to medieval times, the practice of wearing a tassel only dates back to the 19th century. However, there’s more to the placement of the graduation tassel than meets the eye. The left-hand side of the cap represents a time of transition, signifying the move from candidate to graduate.
This symbolism is rooted in European academic tradition. In the Middle Ages, students wore hoods that signified their status as candidates. When they completed their studies, they were awarded hoods that represented their academic achievements. These new hoods had tassels that hung to the left, indicating their newfound status as graduates. This tradition has continued to this day, with the tassel being worn on the left-hand side of the cap for doctoral candidates.
Various cultural and historical contexts also give added significance to the placement of the tassel. For instance, in some cultures, the tassel is worn on the right-hand side throughout the ceremony to represent the journey to graduation. Once the degree has been conferred, the tassel is then moved to the left-hand side to signify its attainment.
The Dos and Don’ts of Graduation Tassel Placement
Wearing the graduation tassel properly is part of graduation etiquette. It’s recommended to follow these dos and don’ts to ensure that you’re not breaking any rules:
- Do wear the tassel on the right-hand side of the cap before the ceremony begins.
- Don’t wear the tassel on the left-hand side of the cap before receiving your degree.
- Do move the tassel from right to left upon receiving your degree.
- Don’t move the tassel to the other side after the diploma is conferred, regardless of cultural tradition.
- Do be mindful of your school’s specific rules regarding tassel placement.
Breaking Tradition: When and Why Graduates Switch Sides with their Tassels
In recent years, a trend has emerged where graduates switch their tassels to the other side of the cap after the diploma has been conferred. While not traditional, this trend has gained popularity among graduates. But what’s the significance of this switch, and why do graduates do it?
There are several reasons why graduates choose to switch the tassel over to the right. Some may do so to signify their commitment to their future goals. Others may follow cultural traditions that call for the switch as a way to pay homage to their cultural heritage. Additionally, some schools may encourage this as a way to commemorate the moment of graduation in photos, as it signifies both the before and after.
Graduation Tassel Placement Around the World: A Cultural Comparison
Graduation tassel placement is a tradition that varies across countries and cultures. Here are some notable examples:
- In Italy, graduates wear bright-colored tassels that match their field of study. These tassels are attached to a red, yellow, or blue cord, which represent the university’s colors. The tassels are worn on the left-hand side throughout the ceremony, moving to the right once the degree has been conferred.
- China attaches badges with a red ribbon to their graduation caps instead of tassels. The badges feature the student’s name and degree, as well as a congratulatory message from the university. The badges are worn on the left-hand side of the cap throughout the ceremony.
- In India, graduates wear a turban instead of a cap and gown. Students adorn their turbans with a colorful tassel on top, which is typically white or black. The tassel is worn on the right-hand side of the turban before the degree has been conferred, and moves to the left side afterward.
The Ultimate Graduation Tassel Placement Quiz: How much do you know?
Test your knowledge of graduation tassel placement with this interactive quiz!
The Evolution of Graduation Tassel Placement: Tracing its origins from Medieval times to today
Graduation ceremonies have come a long way since their inception in medieval times. While the tradition of wearing a graduation cap and gown has remained relatively unchanged, the placement of the tassel and its meaning have evolved over time. For instance, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, graduates wore their caps and gowns year-round as a symbol of their educational attainment. The tassel was worn on the left-hand side, signifying their new status as graduates and scholars.
In the 1960s and 1970s, commencement ceremonies became more formalized, with many colleges and universities adopting standardized dress codes that emphasized the importance of the graduation cap and gown. The tassel placement continued to symbolize the transition from candidate to graduate.
Today, graduation ceremonies represent a significant milestone in the lives of students and their families. While many traditions and customs have remained unchanged, there’s still room for creativity and individual expression when it comes to graduation attire. The key is to respect the traditions of your school and cultural heritage while celebrating your own unique journey and academic accomplishments.
Conclusion
Graduation tassel placement is a tradition that has been honored for decades, even centuries. The simple act of moving the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left signifies a life-changing moment and serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that went into earning a degree. By following the dos and don’ts of tassel placement and understanding the significance of this tradition, you can ensure that your graduation ceremony is a meaningful and memorable experience.
Do you have your own graduation traditions or experiences that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments! For more information on graduation ceremonies or tassel placement, be sure to check out your school’s regulations or speak with your graduation coordinator.