By: Caroline Cutchall ’24
The first thought that comes to mind when you think of caps, gowns, and diplomas is inevitably graduation. Graduation is one of the highlights of one’s education journey, allowing students to celebrate the various stepping stones and achievements that have gotten them on the graduation stage in their cap and gown– a celebration of the highs and lows altogether and a formal glance toward one’s bright future ahead.
But how and why did the cap and gown become a part of the graduation ceremony? With historical roots in the twelfth century, caps were worn by Roman Catholic clergy. In this culture, caps and gowns symbolized superiority and intelligence. On the other hand, the association of gowns in the education realm gowns began in the Middle Ages. Scholars would wear long gowns due to the cold temperatures of classrooms to keep themselves warm. It then became a critical symbol of education and poise.
Although caps and gowns are seen as quintessential symbols of graduation, different cultures and populations celebrate graduation differently. Unique touches and heartfelt traditions make every graduation ceremony different, adding to the beauty of such a complex and diverse world we live in.
In Sweden, students imprint their names on name-embroidered studentmossas (sailor hats) before the ceremony and wear these caps on graduation day. After the ceremony, students are greeted by larger banners, baby pictures, and embarrassing photos held by parents and friends. Graduation is a day of fun, laughter, and emotion, with one of the highlights of the day being parents gifting their child a memorable item for his or her bright future. A parent will either gift their child a trinket, trophy, or a teddy bear, symbolizing their child’s passage into adulthood.
An Italian graduation is more sophisticated and formal than most. Graduates adorn themselves with ‘laurel’ which is a flower wreath sold by florists all across town. But, perhaps the most sophisticated part of an Italian graduation does not rest in the students wearing flower crowns. Before the ceremony, several weeks before the big day, students are given a list of potential questions that they may be asked during graduation. The head of the school chooses a question at random for a student to answer in detail before the academic board and gathered guests. A student must be prepared to answer any of the questions on the list he or she was given, adding an element of rigor to a celebratory ceremony. After the formal ceremony, graduates are hazed by family and friends, where families will partake in the practice of “trashing” which involves throwing substances including eggs, glitter or confetti over the students.
In Japan, music is critical in a graduation ceremony. Students celebrate with song because music is a critical part of a Japanese school curriculum. Students sing Japan’s national anthem, their city song, and school song. Lower school students sing to the graduating class, and the graduating class returns a song to the lower school. Aside from music being a critical component of the ceremony, the principal’s speech is written meticulously. Speeches are written vertically from top to bottom and right to left on a folded piece of paper pasted onto a fan. Principles read highly intellectual speeches, congratulating students on their vigorous drive to reach academic success.
In the Philippines, garland is the main decoration that drapes the stands, necks of graduates, and chairs of the ceremony. Garlands are made from ribbon and shaped into a lei for graduates to wear. Special garlands are also created by tying wrapped individually wrapped candies end to end, and lowerclassmen drape the garland over the graduates as they proceed into the ceremony.
Another significant tradition part of the passage of a student from early to adult education is the Baccalaureate mass tradition. The mass either takes place the day before or after graduation and is most common with Catholic-affiliated institutions. The Baccalaureate Mass celebrates the graduates and is centered on Christ, allowing graduates to reflect on their relationship with God over their educational journey. At the mass, extra-curricular and co-curricular activity awards may be distributed, as well.
As we enter graduation season for our Ursuline seniors, we celebrate our beautiful and unique graduation ceremony, while also reflecting upon the various other traditions that add to the diversity and beauty of our world altogether.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ― Robert Collier. Graduation: One of the highlights of one’s education journey, allows students to celebrate the various stepping stones and achievements that have gotten them on the stage in their cap and gown… a celebration of the highs and lows altogether, and a formal glance toward one’s bright future ahead.
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