Graduation: Cap and Gown – Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition, the most noticeable of which may be the caps and gowns worn by students on hand to receive their degrees.
Graduation: Cap and Gown
Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition, the most noticeable of which may be the caps and gowns worn by students on hand to receive their degrees.
This attire likely dates back to 12th century Europe, when students would wear hoods and gowns that resembled those worn by their teachers, who were members of the clergy.
According to Colorado State University, in 1321 a statute of the University of Coimbra in Portugal declared that all “Doctors, Licentiates, and Bachelors” wear gowns. That means that the mandatory graduation gown is on the cusp of celebrating its 700th anniversary. (In 2021)
Hoods, caps and gowns not only signified a certain status of the students wearing them, but they also served a more practical purpose, helping to keep students warm in the unheated buildings where they were being taught. Ironically, many modern graduates, particularly those whose graduation ceremonies are held outdoors, may lament that their caps and gowns make them feel hot.
Learn more about the Graduation Cap.
Article compliments of MetroCreative. TF205917 First published April 21, 2020. Last updated or republished May 5, 2022.
Congratulations to all those who are Graduating!
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Check out these blog posts on Graduation.
- A-Z of Graduation
- Graduates Prayer of the Day
- Graduation: Cap and Gown
- The history of the graduation cap
- Modified graduations again likely for many schools
- Virtual & Drive-Thru Graduation
- Popular Graduation Traditions
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