Gown History


Students who are wearing the cap and gown are expecting huge changes in their life. As they walk down the isle in their cap and gown to receive a diploma, many students are filled with excitement about their first year of college. When it comes time for the scene to be repeated in college, these same students are now adults. They are ready to set out to conquer the world. Each time we put on a cap and gown, it signifies change, but where did these symbols come from?

Since the earliest academic institutions were an evolution of monestaries at the time, scholars at these institutions adopted a distinctive style of dress that was not far removed from the robes and regalia worn by the priests and monks. During middle ages, robes and headwear weren’t a special attire only for graduation or formal ceremonies, but the manner of dress of all academics who inhabited institutions of learning. During the sixties protesters thought of the robes and pomp of even the graduation ceremonies was too stuffy, and for a time in many universities, even at graduation there was no dress code. With time the view shifted from robes being a stuffy symbol of establishment to a symbol of academic achievement.

In ancient times udergraduates used to dress very differently depending on their status. Noblemen would wear colorful and elaborate robes, while a scholar might have a few fancy adornments and or a slightly brighter hue, and a commoner would just wear plain black robes. According to historians, the cap comes from another kind of clothing that covered the head, the hood. The hood was used by Druids to signify intelligence and a separation from the rest of society. Hoods were a symbol of respect, and soon passed into later ceremonies such as graduations.

Nowadays students wear more elaborate and telling robes, with different colors as symbol of achieved academic grade.

Perhaps it is interesting to many of you to know, how the tradition of moving the tassel from right to left during the ceremony originated. As many ceremonies were held outdoors in the past, wind and other variables in the weather made the sure placement of the tassel rather difficult. With passing time the graduation ceremonies became more modern, but the old practice of the tassel remained – and now during the graduation ceremony the tassel is moved from left to right. Moreover, the tassel can be adorned with decorations that indicate a students’ school colors, or academic achievements.

Wearing the gown and the cap during the graduation of your school or university, while your family looks on is one of the highlights of life, a moment when everything seems possible. The gown and the cap at the graduation ceremony signify the students accomplishements and the start of the next step in life. Remember to enjoy the moment, as it is one of the sweetest moments in life. A time that everything seems possible and a time of sadness as you leave friends and family behind to continue on one of the most extraordinary journeys, life.