Popular Graduation Traditions

Popular Graduation Traditions – Before the Graduation party begins it can be fun to reflect on the many traditions associated with graduation ceremonies. #Graduation

Popular Graduation Traditions

Popular Graduation Traditions - Before the Graduation party begins it can be fun to reflect on the many traditions associated with graduation ceremonies. #Graduation
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Graduation is steeped in tradition. Come the day of graduation, many grads-to-be might be focusing on receiving their diplomas and then celebrating after the ceremony. The hard work students put in affords them every right to celebrate once they’re officially anointed as new grads, but before the party begins it can be fun to reflect on the many traditions associated with graduation ceremonies.

Cap and gown

Graduation ceremonies simply wouldn’t be the same without caps and gowns. The tradition is anything but new, as Columbia University notes caps and gowns have been linked to academia since the 12th century. Back then, students wore gowns and hoods to emulate the clergy who taught them, but also to stay warm. Many universities dressed their scholars in gowns from the 1700s onward. In 1786, one school, Brown University, even mandated that degree candidates be clad in flowing robes and caps at commencement ceremonies. Though educators and students may no longer wear caps and gowns when attending class or around campus, the tradition of doing so at commencement ceremonies has endured. (Learn more about the Cap & Gown)

Tassel turning

The tradition of turning the tassel does not have the lengthy history of the cap and gown, dating back only decades rather than centuries. Graduates typically turn the tassels after everyone has received their degrees during the ceremony. The turn is symbolic of their transition from student to graduate. Tassels start on the right for high school students and college undergraduates and are then turned to the left, while recipients of master’s degrees and doctorates keep their tassels on the left throughout the commencement ceremonies.

Tossing caps in the air

The tossing of graduation caps in the air is believed to date back more than 100 years. Prior to 1912, graduates of the United States Naval Academy had to serve as midshipmen for two years before they were commissioned as officers. As a result, they still needed their graduation caps. But beginning with the class of 1912, graduates were automatically commissioned as officers, so they no longer needed their hats. That led the graduates to throw them in the air, thus beginning one of the more fun and photo-worthy graduation traditions.

“Pomp and Circumstance”

This tradition marked by the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” is rooted in the work of William Shakespeare, which makes it seem like a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies. Sir Edward Elgar composed “Pomp and Circumstance” in 1901 and the title for the song was inspired by a line in the bard’s “Othello.” Elgar received an honorary degree from Yale University in 1905, and during that ceremony “Pomp and Circumstance” was played. The song apparently made a strong impression, as it soon began to be played at various commencement ceremonies, a tradition that continues today.

Article Compliments of MetroCreative. TF215938

Graduation Posts

Check out these blog posts on Graduation.

Graduation Posts #Graduation
  1. A-Z of Graduation
  2. Graduates Prayer of the Day
  3. Graduation: Cap and Gown
  4. The history of the graduation cap
  5. Modified graduations again likely for many schools
  6. Virtual & Drive-Thru Graduation
  7. Popular Graduation Traditions

Subscribe To Courageous Christian Father!


Subscribe

Don’t miss any blog posts! Subscribe today! You can subscribe via WordPress or by entering your email! Thank you!

Follow Courageous Christian Father on WordPress.com

Join 1,609 other subscribers

Don’t forget to also share blog posts you love on your favorite social media too! Thank you! Sharing is caring!

Follow Steve Sews on Social Media


Below are some examples of blog entries from all the blogs that I do. (Courageous Christian Father, Steve Sews Stuff, and SteveZ DesignZ). 

Loading RSS Feed

Recent Posts

  • Good Friday
    I talk about what Good Friday is. Good Friday is part of Holy Week that leads to Easter. This is the day Jesus Died on the Cross at Calvary. #GoodFriday #Easter
  • Dollar tree to raise their prices again
    Dollar tree, to raise their prices again — In a recent earnings call, Dollar Tree, Inc. announced that it will be adjusting its price points for certain items yet again. Here are the key details:
  • 20th anniversary of the powerful film, “The Passion of the Christ.”
    20th anniversary of the powerful film, “The Passion of the Christ.” In 2004, director Mel Gibson brought to the big screen a visceral and unflinching portrayal of the final hours of Jesus Christ. The film, aptly titled “The Passion of the Christ,” chronicles the agony, betrayal, arrest, torture, and crucifixion of Jesus. Here are some key points to reflect upon:
  • No Bones About It — Jesus is Alive!
    The phrase ‘No Bones About It’ is often used as well to state a fact with no doubt meaning Christ arose from the dead His bones were never found! Jesus Christ is surely alive!
  • Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
    Maundy Thursday we don’t hear about this day too much, especially as a Baptist. Holy Week, that starts on Palm Sunday, week before the resurrection of Christ. Maundy Thursday falls the day before Good Friday and Easter. This is just a short write up on this day. #MaundyThursday #HolyThursday

Thank You For Reading Courageous Christian Father!


Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and like this blog post.

About the Author

Author: Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

Feel free to share your comment! Thank you!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.