What Is a Graduation Cap Called? Understanding the Names, History, and Significance of Academic Headwear
When you see a student walking across a stage in a black robe and a distinctive hat, the first thing that catches your eye is often the graduation cap. This iconic piece of academic attire has a rich history and several names that reflect its purpose, design, and cultural importance. In this article, we’ll explore the various terms used to describe the graduation cap, its evolution over time, the different styles you might encounter, and why it remains a powerful symbol of achievement.
Introduction: The Graduation Cap as a Symbol of Achievement
The graduation cap—also known in many circles as the mortarboard—is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a visual shorthand for years of study, perseverance, and the transition from student to graduate. Whether you refer to it as a mortarboard, academic cap, or commencement hat, this headwear is instantly recognizable across cultures and educational institutions. Understanding the different names and the stories behind them can deepen your appreciation for the tradition that crowns new graduates each year.
Names and Terms: What Do People Call the Graduation Cap?
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Mortarboard
The most common and technically accurate name. The cap gets its nickname from the square, flat surface—reminiscent of a mason’s mortar board—upon which a tassel hangs. The term is widely used in academic dress guidelines and formal ceremonies No workaround needed.. -
Academic Cap
This broader term encompasses any headwear worn during academic ceremonies. It can refer to the mortarboard itself or to related styles such as the trencher (a simpler, often cloth cap) used in some traditions Not complicated — just consistent. Still holds up.. -
Commencement Hat
Often used in informal contexts, especially in the United States, this phrase emphasizes the cap’s role in the commencement ceremony—the official event marking the end of a degree program Simple, but easy to overlook.. -
Degree Cap
A straightforward descriptor that highlights the cap’s connection to the earned credential. It is frequently used in university communications and graduation announcements Took long enough.. -
Hat of Honor
A more poetic term that underscores the cap’s symbolic value as a badge of honor and intellectual achievement. -
Biretta (in some European contexts)
While not identical to the mortarboard, some European academic traditions use a biretta—a three‑ or four‑cornered hat—that serves a similar ceremonial purpose. It’s worth noting as a variation of academic headwear It's one of those things that adds up..
Types and Variations of the Graduation Cap
Although the classic mortarboard is the most recognizable style, there are several variations that reflect regional customs, fields of study, and institutional traditions.
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Standard Mortarboard
The quintessential black or navy wool cap with a flat, square crown and a tassel attached to the center. This style dominates Western universities and is the one most people picture when they think of a graduation cap. -
Colored Mortarboards
Some institutions allow graduates to wear caps in school colors (e.g., university blue, alma mater hues) as a way to showcase school spirit. This practice is especially common in the United States. -
Field‑Specific Caps
Certain disciplines have unique headwear. Take this: engineering graduates may wear a cap with a petal design, while theology graduates might adopt a capped style reminiscent of ecclesiastical hats. -
Traditional Regional Styles
In countries like the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Ireland, you’ll find caps such as the tam (a soft, round hat) or the scholar’s cap (a simple cloth bonnet). These are often worn alongside different gowns and reflect centuries‑old academic customs It's one of those things that adds up.. -
Modern Innovations
Contemporary designers occasionally experiment with materials (like recycled fabrics) and embellishments (such as embroidered logos). While these are less common, they illustrate how the graduation cap continues to evolve.
Materials and Design Details
The construction of a graduation cap is surprisingly precise, with each element serving both functional and symbolic purposes.
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Material
Traditionally, caps are made from wool for its durability and ability to hold shape. Modern versions may incorporate polyester blends for lighter weight and cost efficiency. High‑end institutions sometimes use cashmere or fine wool for a more luxurious feel. -
Crown Shape
The square crown is a defining feature. Its flat surface provides a stable platform for the tassel and contributes to the cap’s iconic silhouette. The crown’s size can vary, but it must be large enough to cover the head comfortably The details matter here.. -
Tassel
The tassel is more than a decorative element; it often carries meaning. In many Western ceremonies, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is moved to the left after the graduate receives the diploma—a visual cue of the transition from candidate to alumnus. -
Trim and Piping
Some caps feature piping (a contrasting band of fabric) or trim (decorative edging) that indicates the graduate’s field of study or institution. Here's one way to look at it: a gold trim might signify honors, while a colored trim could represent a specific department.
Cultural Significance and Rituals
The graduation cap is embedded in a web of rituals that vary across time and place, yet share a common thread: the celebration of knowledge and the marking of a new beginning.
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Symbolic Transition
Wearing the cap signals that the individual has completed the requirements of their program. It is a tangible reminder of the journey from classroom to commencement stage. -
Family and Community Involvement
In many cultures, families purchase or customize caps to reflect personal stories. Here's one way to look at it: some graduates incorporate family crests or cultural motifs into the cap’s trim, turning a simple headwear item into a heirloom‑like artifact. -
Global Variations
While the mortarboard is ubiquitous in the United States, Canada, and many Commonwealth nations, other regions have distinct traditions. In Japan, for example, graduates often wear a black silk cap called a kanmuri during ceremony. In India, the turban (specifically the pagri) can serve a similar ceremonial function for certain academic contexts. -
Digital and Sustainable Trends
As sustainability becomes a priority, some institutions are encouraging eco‑friendly caps made from recycled materials. This shift not only reduces waste but also aligns with modern values of environmental responsibility.
How to Wear the Graduation Cap: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Even though the act of putting on a graduation cap seems simple, there are a few best practices to ensure comfort and proper presentation.
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Select the Right Size
Measure your head circumference. A cap that is too tight can cause discomfort during the ceremony, while one that is too loose may slip off. -
Position the Cap
Place the cap on your head with the brim level with your eyebrows. The square crown should sit evenly, and the tassel should hang centered. -
Adjust the Tassel
Before the ceremony, decide whether you want the tassel on the right (pre‑diploma) or left (post‑diploma). Some
