CAP & MORTARBOARDS: The Symbolism and Tradition of a Graduation Hat

CAP & MORTARBOARDS: The Symbolism and Tradition of a Graduation Hat
A cap and mortarboard is a type of academic headwear that consists of a flat square board attached to a skull-cap, with a tassel hanging from the center. It is also known as a square academic cap, a graduate cap, or an Oxford cap. A cap and mortarboard is usually worn with an academic gown and sometimes a hood as part of the graduation attire for students who have completed a degree or diploma program. A cap and mortarboard is a symbol of academic achievement, honor, and pride. It also represents the history and tradition of higher education.To get more news about CAP & MORTARBOARDS, you can visit higraduation.com official website.

The Origins of Cap and Mortarboard
The origin of the cap and mortarboard can be traced back to the medieval times, when scholars and clergy wore various kinds of hats and hoods to protect their heads from the cold and to show their status. One of these hats was the pileus, a round skull-cap that was worn by Roman freedmen to mark their emancipation. Another hat was the biretta, a square cap with four peaks that was worn by Catholic priests and later by university professors. The biretta evolved from the pileus, which was also called the biretum or the barret cap.

The cap and mortarboard as we know it today was developed in the 17th century, when the biretta became more stiffened and flattened. The square board was added to the top of the cap to make it more distinctive and dignified. The tassel was also added to the center of the board as a decoration and a sign of rank. The color of the tassel indicated the degree level or the field of study of the wearer. The cap and mortarboard became popular among graduates in England and later in America, where it is still widely used today.

The Types of Cap and Mortarboard
There are different types of cap and mortarboard depending on the country, the institution, or the occasion. Some of the common types are:

The American Cap and Mortarboard: This is the most common type of cap and mortarboard in the United States. It is usually black in color, but can also be in other colors depending on the school or the degree level. The tassel is usually black or the color appropriate to the subject, except for doctoral graduates who can wear a gold tassel. The tassel is worn on the right side before graduation and moved to the left side after graduation as a sign of completion.
The British Cap and Mortarboard: This is the type of cap and mortarboard that is used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries. It is usually black in color, but can also be in other colors depending on the institution or the degree level. The tassel is usually black or white, but can also be in other colors depending on the institution or the degree level. The tassel is worn on either side depending on personal preference or tradition.
The Tam: This is a type of soft cap that resembles a beret. It is usually worn by doctoral graduates instead of a cap and mortarboard. It can have four, six, or eight sides depending on personal preference or tradition. It can be made of various fabrics, such as velvet, wool, or silk. It can have different colors depending on personal preference or tradition. It can also have a tassel attached to the center or not.
The Benefits of Cap and Mortarboard
Wearing a cap and mortarboard can have many benefits for graduates, such as:

Conclusion
A cap and mortarboard is a classic academic headwear that can be worn for graduation ceremonies. It can symbolize academic achievement, honor, and pride. It can also reflect the history and tradition of higher education. It can also offer many advantages and disadvantages for graduates. Therefore, one should be aware of the types and features of cap and mortarboard before choosing and wearing one.