It is a long standing tradition for graduating students in the United States to wear caps and gowns during their graduation ceremony. It is a symbol of great significance, and stands as a reminder of a student’s dedication and commitment to their studies. While the style of the cap and gown has changed over the years, the overall purpose remains the same; to signify the hard work put in by graduates and to pay respect for their achievements.
It is believed that the tradition of wearing caps and gowns during graduation ceremonies started in the 12th century. At Oxford University, the custom of scholars wearing a long black gown to signify their academic status was first recorded. From there, this practice spread to other universities, with students wearing a black gown along with a pointed hat or cap known as a mortarboard.
The colors of the gown signify the student’s level of degree, from a bachelor’s gown with pointed sleeves, a master’s gown with an open bell-shaped sleeve, to a doctor’s gown with closed sleeves. The traditional color of the gown is black, but other schools will use different shades for different levels of degrees. The mortarboard is typically a black cube shaped hat with a tassel hung from the top, although some schools may opt for a different form of a hat. This is often accompanied by a hood which has its own unique color. This range of colors, shapes, and styles often serves as a representation of student’s individual achievements and experiences.
The importance of wearing a cap and gown also extends beyond the graduation ceremony. In many ways, it signifies a new phase of life for students. It is seen as a symbolic rite of passage, as their years of hard work and dedication come to fruition. It signals the formal completion of their education, and students turn this occasion to recognize the tremendous effort they have put in to gain their degree. As a public demonstration of commitment, students will often wear the gown during graduation festivities and photographs.
Furthermore, the wearing of a cap and gown has become great source of pride for many universities. It serves as an outward sign of one’s school’s tradition and academic reputation. Alumni often wear the caps and gowns to create a feeling of unity and brotherhood, to promote school spirit and reinforce their loyalty to their university.
It is clear why students wear caps and gowns for their graduation ceremony; to express a sense of confidence, pride and happiness. It is a custom that is not only steeped in tradition, but also provides a genuine source of motivation and a reminder of the hard work and dedication put in to earn the degree.
Pros and Cons of Wearing Caps and Gowns
Wearing the cap and gown is an important part of graduation, however there are both pros and cons to wearing them. On one hand, when a student wears a cap and gown, they are visibly displaying their successes and accomplishments. This is a great motivating factor when it comes to achieving hard earned success. It also creates a sense of pride and unity amongst graduates, alumni, and staff.
On the other hand, the cap and gown is also perceived to represent a certain level of conformity and traditionalism. It is often seen as a symbol that upholds an outdated system of learning, one that favors those with certain backgrounds and experiences. In addition, the expense of purchasing the regalia can be a burden to some students. In some cases, the cost of the cap and gown may rival the cost of all other graduation expenses put together, such as party decorations, refreshments or attire.
Costs and Financial Assistance
Although purchasing a cap and gown for graduation can be expensive, financial assistance is available in some cases. Depending on a student’s school, the university may have a program in place where those who are unable to pay for the regalia can receive assistance. This can come in the form of a loan, or funds from students who have already graduated. Additionally, many universities have scholarships and grants set aside to help cover the cost of a cap and gown.
Additionally, there is a wide range of prices available for caps and gowns, so that students can find one that fits their budget. Buying in bulk or ordering online are also good options for students that are looking for a more affordable option. Some stores also offer rent-to-own packages, where students can purchase the regalia, and then rent it out on the day of the graduation ceremony.
Variety of Options
In recent years, there has been a rise in the amount of variety available when it comes to caps and gowns. While the traditional black graduation gown is still the most popular option, there are now a wide range of colors, styles and materials to choose from. This includes eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo or organic cotton, which are becoming increasingly popular amongst graduating students who want to make a statement.
For those who want to stand out from the crowd, there are also options that feature embroidery and beading. There is also the option of customizing the regalia, such as having the graduate’s name embroidered on the gown or hat. Furthermore, there are now caps and gowns available for a wide range of graduation ceremonies, such as high school, college and post-graduate ceremonies.
Symbol of Reputation and Legacy
In addition to being a symbol of recognition, the cap and gown is also a symbol of reputation and legacy. For students, wearing the regalia communicates that they have achieved something noteworthy and valuable. It also creates a sense of community, as students gather together for their graduation ceremony to promote a strong sense of spirit and unity amongst its alumni, students, and faculty. And for the school, the cap and gown serves as a reminder of its commitment to excellence.
The cap and gown is also a marker of a student’s hard work and dedication. It celebrates their dedication to their studies and marks the end of a long education journey. The wearing of the cap and gown is an important milestone for any student, and is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made in pursuit of one’s education.
Signifying Honor and Respect
Wearing a cap and gown to a graduation ceremony is a sign of honor and respect to all those who have worked hard to get there. It signifies that the individual has achieved their goals and that they can now proudly take their place among the ranks of their peers. The wearing of caps and gowns also serves as a reminder of the school’s dedication to education, and the belief that a student’s success is based on hard work and diligence.
The cap and gown is an outward sign of the individual’s dedication to their studies and of their success. It is a proud moment to see a student in the gown, displaying their achievements and demonstrating their commitment to their studies. In this way, the cap and gown is a great way to celebrate the hard work of the student and to recognize their dedication.
Achieving an Air of Prestige
In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of a student, the wearing of a cap and gown also creates an air of prestige and sophistication. The regalia conveys a sense of importance and great respect for the individual’s achievements, and thus serves as a reminder of the dedication and effort required to achieve their degree. Furthermore, the wearing of the regalia also establishes the individual as someone who is respected within their field.
The traditional cap and gown is a great way to recognize a student’s accomplishments and to signify their dedication to their studies. It reinforces the importance of hard work and serves as a reminder of the many sacrifices made in pursuit of one’s education. In this way, the wearing of a cap and gown is an important part of the commencement ceremony, and is a great way to celebrate one’s achievements.
Conclusion
As a centuries old tradition, the wearing of a cap and gown is a great way to recognize the hard work of a student and to celebrate their accomplishments. It is a symbol of respect, honor and dedication to one’s studies. Additionally, it can serve as a visual representation of achievement, and it creates a sense of unity and pride amongst graduating classes. In this way, the cap and gown is an important part of the commencement ceremony, and is a great way to acknowledge the hard work of the students.
