Graduation. The culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and countless late-night study sessions. As you prepare to cross that stage and receive your diploma, you’ll don a garment steeped in history and tradition: the graduation gown. But have you ever stopped to consider the significance of the gown itself? Beyond simply being a requirement, the graduation gown tells a story, signifying your academic achievement and the institution you represent. This article delves into the fascinating world of graduation gowns, exploring their different types, materials, colors, and the symbolism behind each element.
Understanding the History and Evolution of Graduation Gowns
The tradition of academic regalia dates back to the 12th century in Europe. Universities were often connected to the church, and both professors and students wore gowns and hoods to stay warm in unheated buildings. The gowns also served as a way to distinguish scholars from the general public.
Over time, the gowns evolved into more formal attire, with different styles and colors indicating academic rank and field of study. The adoption of academic regalia in the United States followed a similar trajectory, formalizing in the late 19th century with the creation of the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume. This code aimed to standardize the design and meaning of gowns, hoods, and caps across different institutions.
The adoption of a standardized code didn’t completely eliminate variations. Many universities still retain some degree of autonomy in their specific gown designs, especially regarding colors and embellishments. However, the core principles of the Intercollegiate Code continue to guide academic dress in most institutions across the United States.
Exploring the Different Types of Graduation Gowns
The style of a graduation gown primarily depends on the degree being awarded: bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral. Each level has a distinct design, reflecting the level of academic achievement.
Bachelor’s Degree Gowns
Bachelor’s degree gowns are typically the simplest in design. They are usually made of black material (often polyester or a similar synthetic fabric). One of the distinguishing features is the long, pointed, closed sleeves. These sleeves extend to the wrist and sometimes slightly beyond. The bachelor’s gown is generally worn closed, though some institutions may permit it to be worn open. The length of the gown usually falls to the mid-calf or ankle.
These gowns represent the beginning of a student’s post-secondary academic journey. They are a visible symbol of successful completion of undergraduate studies and a stepping stone to further academic pursuits or a career.
Master’s Degree Gowns
Master’s degree gowns are more elaborate than bachelor’s gowns. They are usually made of the same material as bachelor’s gowns, typically black. The main difference lies in the sleeves. Master’s gowns feature long, closed sleeves with an oblong opening near the elbow. The sleeves are often slit near the wrist, allowing the arms to protrude. The gown is designed to be worn open or closed.
The longer sleeves and different cut signify a higher level of academic achievement and specialized knowledge. Master’s degree gowns represent advanced study in a particular field.
Doctoral Degree Gowns
Doctoral gowns are the most elaborate and distinguished of the three types. They are usually made of high-quality material, often wool or a similar fabric, although synthetic materials are also common. Doctoral gowns can be black or a color specific to the university awarding the degree. The most distinguishing feature is the velvet facing that runs down the front of the gown and the velvet bars on the sleeves.
The velvet facing and bars are typically black, but they can also be in the color representing the field of study in which the doctorate was earned. For example, a Ph.D. in education might have light blue velvet. The sleeves of a doctoral gown are bell-shaped and much wider than those of a bachelor’s or master’s gown. They typically have three velvet bars on each sleeve.
The doctoral gown is a symbol of the highest level of academic achievement, representing years of dedicated research and scholarship. The velvet trim signifies the scholarly expertise of the wearer.
Delving into the Significance of Colors in Academic Regalia
Colors play a crucial role in academic regalia, signifying the field of study in which the degree was earned. While the gown itself is typically black, the hood (and sometimes the velvet facing on doctoral gowns) displays colors that represent the discipline.
The Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume assigns specific colors to different fields. For example, dark blue represents philosophy, light blue represents education, pink represents music, and green represents medicine. The specific shade of these colors may vary slightly from institution to institution, but the general association remains consistent.
The color on the hood is usually displayed as a velvet edging or chevron, which indicates the field of study. The lining of the hood, which is usually silk, represents the colors of the institution awarding the degree. The combination of the velvet color and the hood lining provides a complete visual representation of the graduate’s academic background.
The tradition of using colors to represent academic fields is rooted in the medieval university system, where different faculties were associated with specific colors. This system has evolved over time into the standardized color scheme used today.
Deconstructing the Components: Hoods and Caps
While the graduation gown is the most prominent piece of academic regalia, the hood and cap are equally important in completing the ensemble.
The Academic Hood
The academic hood is a draped accessory worn over the shoulders, hanging down the back of the gown. It is arguably the most symbolic piece of academic regalia, representing the level of degree earned and the field of study. The length of the hood varies depending on the degree: bachelor’s hoods are shorter than master’s hoods, which are shorter than doctoral hoods.
As mentioned earlier, the hood’s lining represents the colors of the institution awarding the degree. The velvet edging represents the field of study. The combination of these colors provides a visual representation of the graduate’s academic background.
The hood is typically presented to the graduate during the graduation ceremony, symbolizing the conferral of the degree. It is a significant moment that marks the culmination of years of study and effort.
The Mortarboard (Cap)
The mortarboard, also known as the academic cap, is a flat, square hat with a tassel. It is a ubiquitous symbol of graduation and academic achievement. The mortarboard is believed to have evolved from the biretta, a similar cap worn by clergy and scholars in the Middle Ages.
The tassel is typically black, but it can also be in the color representing the field of study or the university. At some institutions, undergraduate students wear the tassel on the right side of the cap before graduation and move it to the left side after receiving their diplomas. Graduate students typically wear the tassel on the left side throughout the ceremony.
The mortarboard is a relatively recent addition to academic regalia, becoming popular in the United States in the late 19th century. Despite its relatively recent adoption, it has become an integral part of the graduation tradition.
Materials Used in Graduation Gowns
The materials used to make graduation gowns vary depending on the level of the degree, the institution, and the budget.
Bachelor’s and master’s gowns are typically made of polyester or a similar synthetic fabric. These materials are affordable, durable, and easy to care for. They are also lightweight, which is important for comfort, especially in warm weather.
Doctoral gowns are often made of higher-quality materials, such as wool or a wool blend. These materials are more luxurious and durable than synthetic fabrics. They also have a more formal appearance, befitting the prestige of the doctoral degree.
The velvet trim on doctoral gowns is typically made of real velvet or a synthetic velvet alternative. The lining of the hood is usually made of silk or a similar luxurious fabric. The choice of materials reflects the importance and formality of the occasion.
Navigating Graduation Gown Etiquette
Wearing academic regalia comes with certain etiquette guidelines. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Gown Length: The gown should reach approximately mid-calf or ankle. The ideal length is such that the wearer doesn’t trip or have difficulty walking.
- Wearing the Hood: The hood should be properly draped over the shoulders, with the velvet edging facing outwards. The lining of the hood should be visible.
- Wearing the Cap: The mortarboard should be worn straight, with the flat top parallel to the ground. The tassel should hang down on the appropriate side, as determined by the institution.
- Appropriate Attire: It’s customary to wear professional attire under the gown. Dress shoes and appropriate undergarments are also recommended.
- Respect for Tradition: Academic regalia is a symbol of academic achievement and should be treated with respect. Avoid altering or embellishing the gown in ways that are not permitted by the institution.
The Future of Graduation Gowns: Sustainable Options and Evolving Traditions
As sustainability becomes increasingly important, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly graduation gowns. Some companies are now offering gowns made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles. These gowns are just as durable and comfortable as traditional gowns, but they have a much smaller environmental footprint.
Furthermore, some institutions are exploring alternative styles of academic regalia that are more culturally sensitive and inclusive. This may involve incorporating elements of traditional dress from different cultures or designing gowns that are more gender-neutral.
The tradition of academic regalia is constantly evolving to reflect the changing values and priorities of society. While the core elements of the gown, hood, and cap are likely to remain, we can expect to see more sustainable and inclusive options in the future.
The graduation gown is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of academic achievement, tradition, and the pursuit of knowledge. Understanding the different types of gowns, the significance of colors, and the etiquette of wearing academic regalia can help you appreciate the meaning and importance of this special occasion.
What is the historical origin of academic regalia?
Academic regalia, including gowns, hoods, and caps, has roots dating back to the medieval universities of Europe. In the 12th and 13th centuries, these institutions were emerging, and scholars often wore long gowns for warmth and modesty. Since many scholars were also clerics, their clothing resembled ecclesiastical vestments, contributing to the distinctive look of academic attire. Over time, the specific styles and colors became associated with different academic ranks and disciplines.
The adoption of academic regalia served a practical purpose initially, but it gradually evolved into a symbolic representation of academic achievement and institutional affiliation. By the 14th century, regulations governing academic dress were being established in many universities, further solidifying the tradition. These regulations helped to standardize the appearance of scholars and emphasized the importance of learning and scholarship.
What is the significance of the different colors used in academic hoods?
The colors used in academic hoods are not arbitrary; they represent the specific academic discipline or field of study in which the wearer earned their degree. The velvet trim on the hood, known as the “velvet chevron,” denotes the field. For example, dark blue signifies philosophy, light blue represents education, pink is for music, and green denotes medicine. These color codes are standardized across many universities, allowing observers to quickly identify a graduate’s area of expertise.
The lining of the hood, typically consisting of two or more colors, represents the institution that conferred the degree. These colors are often the official colors of the university. Therefore, a hood reveals both the graduate’s academic discipline through the velvet chevron color and their alma mater through the lining colors, providing a detailed visual summary of their academic background.
What are the main differences between a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral gown?
The primary differences between bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral gowns lie in their design and ornamentation. Bachelor’s gowns are typically simple, reaching to the knees or mid-calf, and have long, pointed sleeves. They are designed to be relatively unadorned, reflecting the wearer’s status as an undergraduate degree holder.
Master’s gowns, on the other hand, are longer, reaching to the ankles, and feature long, closed sleeves with a slit for the arms to emerge. Doctoral gowns are the most elaborate, often made of velvet or fine materials, and have distinctive bell-shaped sleeves adorned with velvet bars, typically three in number. The velvet bars and facing panels of a doctoral gown are often in the color associated with the degree earned, further distinguishing it from other gowns.
What is the purpose of the academic cap, also known as the mortarboard?
The academic cap, commonly called a mortarboard, is a square cap with a flat top and a tassel. Its origin is believed to stem from the biretta, a square cap worn by clergy and scholars in the medieval period. The mortarboard is a symbol of scholarly attainment and signifies the graduate’s entry into the academic community.
The tassel worn on the mortarboard also holds significance. Typically, the tassel is worn on the right side before graduation and is moved to the left side upon receiving the degree. In some institutions, doctoral candidates wear a velvet tam, a soft, round cap with a tassel, instead of the mortarboard. The tam is often considered a more prestigious form of headwear for doctoral graduates.
How does the tassel color on the mortarboard relate to the graduate’s field of study?
The tassel color on the mortarboard often signifies the graduate’s specific field of study, although traditions can vary between institutions. While the hood’s velvet chevron provides a more standardized representation of the field, some universities use tassel color as an additional identifier, particularly for undergraduate degrees. The practice enhances the visual representation of a graduate’s area of expertise during commencement ceremonies.
Common tassel colors include white for arts and letters, gold for business or accounting, and green for medicine. However, it is important to note that not all institutions adhere to a strict color code for tassels, and some may use a single color for all graduates. Additionally, honors students may wear a gold tassel regardless of their field, signifying their academic achievement.
Are there variations in academic regalia across different countries?
Yes, there are significant variations in academic regalia across different countries, reflecting the distinct histories and traditions of their educational systems. In the United Kingdom, for example, academic gowns and hoods often have different shapes and colors compared to those used in the United States. The specific regulations for academic dress are determined by each university, leading to considerable diversity within the UK system.
Continental European universities also exhibit a wide range of academic attire, often reflecting local or regional customs. While the United States has largely adopted a standardized system based on the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume, other countries have maintained more individualistic and diverse traditions. Therefore, understanding academic regalia requires awareness of the specific national and institutional context.
What is the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume, and what is its purpose?
The Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume is a set of guidelines established in the United States to standardize academic regalia. Developed in the late 19th century, the Code aims to create a uniform system for gowns, hoods, and caps, ensuring that academic dress is consistent across different institutions. It specifies the materials, colors, and designs for various degree levels and academic disciplines.
The Code’s primary purpose is to provide a clear and recognizable framework for academic attire, facilitating the identification of graduates’ degree levels and fields of study. While not all institutions strictly adhere to every detail of the Code, it serves as a widely accepted standard and contributes to the visual unity of commencement ceremonies and other academic events. It is a voluntary standard that many universities use to maintain consistency in academic regalia.