Why do we throw away our hats when we graduate?

One very important turning point in life is graduation. It calls for both a change in one's stance and viewpoint. Once at the graduation ceremony, all participants will remove their bachelor's hats. Why do we act as we do? Celebrating the end of a student's educational path and the beginning of a new chapter by throwing hats during graduation is a happy event. Although this custom is followed throughout graduation ceremonies, it is especially common during university graduations. At my graduation ceremony that year, the teacher shouted One, Two, Three, and we threw our bachelor's caps into the air together, symbolizing the end of our wonderful college days and the entry into a new stage of life.

The origin of the degree cap?

The origin of the degree cap can be traced back to medieval Europe. At that time, academia and religion had a close connection, and university scholars and clergy wore similar costumes. The design of the degree cap originated from the priest's hat. The earliest degree cap was called a "mortarboard" because its shape resembled a tool used by a mason to level cement. This hat was first adopted by universities in the UK and the US as part of academic clothing. Over time, the degree cap gradually became the standard attire at graduation ceremonies in higher education institutions worldwide.

What are the components of a mortarboard?

Square flat top: The mortarboard's most distinctive feature is its square flat top. This design symbolizes books and scholarship and represents the accumulation and inheritance of knowledge.

During the graduation ceremony, the arrangement of the fringe on the academic cap has ceremonial meaning. Usually, at the start of the ceremony, the mortarboard's tassel is on the right side on side. After getting their degree, students relocate their cap tassel to the left formally, signifying their change from undergraduate to graduate status.

Black: Usually black, the mortarboard honors medieval academics' traditional clothing. Black represents the seriousness, solemnity, and authority that define academics most of the time.

Where did the cap throwing originate?

Hat flinging during graduation ceremonies originated at the US Naval Academy. Reports state that the custom started in 1912 when United States Navy Academy graduates threw their hats into the air during graduation to mark their official naval officer position and complete four years of school. Since the university had decided to allow graduates to wear officer caps at the graduation ceremony, the students excitedly threw their caps skyward to fit the replacement of their conventional headgear with military caps. This action symbolized that they got rid of their cadet status and welcomed a new military career. This custom gradually spread to other universities and high schools and became a common celebration.

The meaning of throwing the mortarboard's hat.

End and beginning: Throwing the hat symbolizes the end of students' studies and the beginning of a new life. By throwing the hat, they symbolically put aside their student status and welcome a new chapter.

Freedom and liberation: The moment of throwing the hat symbolizes liberation from academic pressure and academic constraints, which means that graduates have gained new freedom to pursue their life goals and dreams.

Celebration and joy: Throwing the hat is a climax moment in the graduation ceremony, full of joy and celebration. It celebrates the graduates' great dedication and successes.

Unity and collective spirit: When all graduates throw their hats simultaneously, this collective behavior symbolizes unity and collective spirit. It shows the graduates' achievements through joint efforts and the learning journey they have gone through together.

Symbolic transformation: In some specific cultures, hats represent a symbol of status and identity. Tossing the hat represents more than just giving up one's student position; it also marks the beginning of a new chapter of life and welcomes fresh responsibilities.

The graduation hat serves as a component of the gown and represents the whole event. Graduating students who don caps mark a turning point in their academic paths. The tassel-changing ceremony marks their transformation from students to graduates, and this moment is often the climax of the graduation ceremony. Having their tutor or principal personally change the tassel is a moment that many students look forward to.

Tips.

Remember that the edges of graduation caps may be sharp, particularly if many hats are thrown at once. Unintentional effects from this might cause someone to get scratches or other bodily injury. Therefore, given these circumstances, we should be careful about onlookers and toss the bachelor's hat in a roomy area to celebrate our graduation.

Tossing the graduation hat has enormous symbolic meaning during the ceremony as it marks the start of a new chapter in life and the accomplishment of academic success. However, safety issues also need to be considered while celebrating. By choosing an open place, coordinating actions, paying attention to the surrounding environment, throwing moderately, and considering alternative ways of celebrating, we can ensure the safety of ourselves and others while enjoying this traditional celebration. Graduation is an important milestone. Let us preserve traditions while paying attention to safety when celebrating this moment, adding more joy and security to this beautiful memory.