Graduation is one of the most significant moments in a student’s life. It marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. All graduates share one common tradition- the graduation tassel drop. The tassel drop is a symbolic gesture that signifies the end of the academic journey and the transition into adulthood.
Although this tradition is common, many students and their families often wonder about the meaning behind it. What does the tassel drop actually symbolize? Is it just a simple ceremony, or is there a deeper meaning behind it? This article will explore the history and importance of the graduation tassel drop and what it means for graduates.
Origins and symbolism of graduation tassel drop
The tradition of graduation tassel drop can be traced back to as early as the 14th century. During that time, European universities had strict dress codes and required all students to wear formal gowns and caps during ceremonies. The tassel was first introduced as a decoration on the cap, and it was later moved to the side as a symbol of achievement.
The symbolism behind the tassel drop is also rooted in academic tradition. When a student reaches the end of their academic journey and is about to receive their diploma, they turn their tassel from the right side of the cap to the left. This motion signifies the end of their academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The tassel drop is a symbolic gesture honoring the students’ hard work, dedication, and achievements.
When and where the graduation tassel drop tradition started
The graduation tassel drop is a long-standing tradition in which graduates move their tassel from the right side of their cap to the left side to signify the completion of their studies and the the transition from student to graduate. The origins of this tradition are not clear, but it is thought to have started in the United States in the early 1900s.
Some experts believe that the tassel drop started as a way for graduates to symbolize their new status as alumni, while others believe that it was simply a way for graduates to celebrate their achievements with a visual cue. Whatever the reason, the tassel drop has become an integral part of graduation ceremonies around the world, with students of all ages and nationalities participating in this time-honored tradition.
Different styles and colors of graduation tassels
Graduation tassels come in different styles and colors, depending on the academic institution and the degree being conferred. The most common shape of a tassel is the standard 9-inch-looped design with a small metallic clasp at the top that attaches to the graduation cap. However, there are variations of this design that include longer or thicker loops, tassels with multiple colors or patterns, or tassels made with specialty materials such as silk or velvet.
The color of the tassel also has significance, with each academic discipline typically represented by a specific color. For example, blue represents education, purple is for law, and yellow is for science and engineering. Some institutions also use specific colors to denote different levels of academic achievement, such as gold for honors and silver for high honors. Graduating students are typically expected to wear the tassel on the right side of the cap during the ceremony, and then switch it to the left side once they receive their diploma as a symbol of their transition from candidate to graduate.
How to properly wear your graduation tassel before and after the ceremony
Wearing your graduation tassel is an essential aspect of any graduation ceremony. Before the ceremony begins, presentation students should wear their graduation cap with the tassel appropriately placed on the right side of the cap. After the presentation ceremony, when it is time for the students to move the tassel to the left side of the cap, it signifies their official graduation from their educational institution. It is a momentous occasion that is treasured and celebrated by all who witness it.
After the commencement, it is customary for the graduate to keep their cap and tassel as a memory of their achievement. Graduates can wear their graduation tassel on their rear-view mirrors, wrapped around the stem of their flower bouquets, or hung on their wall. Wearing a graduation tassel is a timeless symbol of an accomplished educational achievement, and it reminds us of the dedication and effort it took to get there.
Different variations of the graduation tassel drop ritual
The graduation tassel drop is a significant moment that marks the official completion of a student’s academic journey. However, different variations of the tassel drop ceremony exist in different institutions and academic cultures.
In some institutions, students are required to switch their tassels from the right side of their mortarboard to the left side as soon as they receive their diplomas. This switch signifies the official change of status from a candidate to a graduate. In other institutions, the ceremony involves the flipping of the tassel from the right to the left side and then back to the right side again. This flip-flopping symbolizes the transition from student to alumni and back to student again as a lifelong learner.
Furthermore, some institutions allow graduates to keep their tassels as a memento while others encourage graduates to toss them in the air as a celebratory gesture during the ceremony. Nevertheless, the variations in the graduation tassel drop ritual uphold the importance of recognizing and celebrating the immense achievement of the graduates.
Meaning and significance behind flipping your graduation tassel from one side to the other
The flipping of graduation tassel from one side to the other is one of the most common and universal traditions that graduates have been practicing for years. This flipping symbolizes the transformation of a student into a graduate and marks the end of years of hard work, dedication and commitment.
The act of turning the tassel represents the shift from student to graduate and the new beginning that awaits them. The movement also represents a transition of moving from the past to the future, letting go of the challenges and struggles that brought them to this point, while embracing the exciting possibilities that the future might hold. For many graduates, flipping the tassel is a profound and emotional moment during the commencement ceremony as they symbolically leave behind their old identities and embrace their new roles as graduates.
How the graduation tassel drop ceremony has evolved over time and across cultures
The graduation tassel drop ceremony has evolved over time and across cultures. Historically, the tassel was simply another decorative element of the graduation cap, with no special significance. However, in the mid-20th century, the tassel drop began to take on a symbolic meaning. At most graduation ceremonies in the United States, graduates shift the tassel on their cap from the right side to the left side upon receiving their diploma. This simple act represents the transition from student to graduate, and marks the accomplishment of completing one’s academic journey.
While the tassel drop is widely associated with American graduation ceremonies, it is also observed in other cultures around the world. In Japan, for example, graduates wear a special hat and exchange their tassel for a gold graduate badge. In Chile, graduates wear a laurel wreath on their head and toss their cap in the air as a symbol of accomplishment. The tassel drop may take on different forms depending on the cultural significance placed on graduation, but its core meaning remains the same – a moment of celebration and recognition of one’s hard work and dedication.
Final Words
Graduation tassel drop is a significant moment in every student’s life. It signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The tradition of moving the tassel from one side of the graduation cap to the other symbolizes the transition from being a student to being a graduate. This momentous occasion is a celebration of academic achievement, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in life.
To sum it up, the graduation tassel drop is the ultimate reward for the hard work that students put in throughout their academic journey. It is a proud moment for the graduates and their families who have supported them through thick and thin. The symbolism behind the tassel drop serves as a reminder that every challenge has a reward, and every effort is worth it in the end. The graduation ceremony may be the end of a chapter, but it is the beginning of a new adventure.