The graduates wearing of graduation caps and gowns have been an old tradition and it symbolizes how exceptional the day is, that only those that have worked hard on it and keep on were given the respect to bear them. The tradition started way back in the 12th century, when the primary universities were founded in Europe.
THE GOWN
Technically, the gown is named as the "academic dress". It was initially worn for the tertiary education during the 12th century and then it was allowed to secondary education. The custom of dressing in an academic dress for a graduation begins as a prerequisite, rather than the authorized dress into the rituals of passage. During that time, the scholars began wearing a long robe that has a hood to beat the heat, and so later that century the gowns were decided to become the official dress for academics to avoid extreme apparel. Slowly, the more comfortable editions were adopted in maintaining the edition of the robe, but with no thick on the outer layer. The colors remained plain and mostly black. Specific colors were not assigned to symbolize particular areas of study not until in late 1800's, with the standard cases of shifting from universities to universities and state to state.
Technically, the gown is named as the "academic dress". It was initially worn for the tertiary education during the 12th century and then it was allowed to secondary education. The custom of dressing in an academic dress for a graduation begins as a prerequisite, rather than the authorized dress into the rituals of passage. During that time, the scholars began wearing a long robe that has a hood to beat the heat, and so later that century the gowns were decided to become the official dress for academics to avoid extreme apparel. Slowly, the more comfortable editions were adopted in maintaining the edition of the robe, but with no thick on the outer layer. The colors remained plain and mostly black. Specific colors were not assigned to symbolize particular areas of study not until in late 1800's, with the standard cases of shifting from universities to universities and state to state.
THE CAP
The four-sided figure academic cap also identifies as a mortarboard since it is a similarity in shape to the tool applied by masons to grasp mortar. The cap is a flat board, square, fastened to the skullcap with the jaunty tassel fixed to the centre. It was alleged to have derived from a biretta worn out by scholars which was applied to suggest their intelligence and superiority. The hats were famous during starting from 14th to 15th centuries and were worn only by humanists, artists, students, and everyone who is learning. Furthermore, in the early era in most universities, the mortarboard was kept for those that earned the title of “doctor” or “master”. It normally came in colour red which denotes life and blood, thus, power is more than what is life and death.
The four-sided figure academic cap also identifies as a mortarboard since it is a similarity in shape to the tool applied by masons to grasp mortar. The cap is a flat board, square, fastened to the skullcap with the jaunty tassel fixed to the centre. It was alleged to have derived from a biretta worn out by scholars which was applied to suggest their intelligence and superiority. The hats were famous during starting from 14th to 15th centuries and were worn only by humanists, artists, students, and everyone who is learning. Furthermore, in the early era in most universities, the mortarboard was kept for those that earned the title of “doctor” or “master”. It normally came in colour red which denotes life and blood, thus, power is more than what is life and death.
The custom of throwing the caps through the air at the finale of the rites, by the graduating class has a quite current genesis. The initial identified instances of this practice were in Annapolis, Maryland at the US Naval Academy in 1912. There are a bit conflicting reasons as to the cause why they did this, but the common story was that it is due to the Academy settles for giving their officers’ hats during the graduation.
THE DIPLOMA
As the graduates will walk down in the aisle going to their particular seats, the gowns and the cap just add to the graduates feeling of pride and self-esteem that at last, a chapter of their lives has been completed and that they may now advance and move on to the next stage of their lives; thus, the word commencement, which only means the beginning rather than an end are what almost every people attribute in the graduation rites.
As the graduates will walk down in the aisle going to their particular seats, the gowns and the cap just add to the graduates feeling of pride and self-esteem that at last, a chapter of their lives has been completed and that they may now advance and move on to the next stage of their lives; thus, the word commencement, which only means the beginning rather than an end are what almost every people attribute in the graduation rites.
The diploma is normally a requirement taken right after the completion of the initial degree, though the point of study differs in many states. In most nations, the postgraduate and graduate diploma is synonymous, while in some places, the postgraduate diploma is the higher certificate or qualifications of a graduate.