For many graduates, the ceremony is as much about the symbolism of the hat as it is about receiving the degree. The item perched on the head—whether called the mortarboard, the academic cap, or simply the graduation hat—has a long-standing role in academic tradition. In this article, we explore the Name of Graduation Hat from its origins to its modern-day variations, usage, and care. We’ll look at how different institutions refer to this piece of headwear, how it is worn, and what it signifies in different parts of the world.
What is the Name of Graduation Hat? The Mortarboard, a Classic Academic Symbol
The Name of Graduation Hat is most commonly known as the mortarboard in many countries. This term evokes the flat, square board perched on a fitted cap, often with a tassel that hangs from its centre. In everyday speech, many people simply call it a graduation cap or a square cap. Yet the formal name—Name of Graduation Hat as a concept—points to a long history in which scholars, clerics, and universities used distinctive headwear as a sign of learning, status, and achievement.
Origins and Etymology
The mortarboard’s design is said to resemble a mason’s tool, a nod to the medieval guilds and the craft of building that supported early universities. The square, flat board symbolised a firm foundation in knowledge, while the attached tassel provided a dynamic ritual cue during ceremonies. The term mortarboard itself has endured for centuries, even as fashions in academic dress evolved. In the United Kingdom, as well as many Commonwealth countries, the mortarboard remains the most familiar form of Name of Graduation Hat, while in the United States the same item is often referred to as the graduation cap or academic cap.
Common Names Across Regions
While the canonical Name of Graduation Hat is mortarboard in many languages and regions, there are regional preferences. In the UK and many Commonwealth nations, you will hear “graduation cap” alongside “mortarboard,” with “academic cap” used in more formal or international contexts. In the US, the term “mortarboard” is widely used in ceremonial materials and among faculty; students and media frequently say “graduation cap.” Across Canada and parts of Europe, the terms blend depending on the institution and the language of instruction. Regardless of the name chosen, the essential design remains the same: a square board fixed to a soft skull cap with a tassel that moves during the ceremony.
Design and Construction of the Name of Graduation Hat
The Name of Graduation Hat combines simple geometry with careful fabric and stitching. Its iconic shape serves both form and function: it sits securely on the head, supports a tassel, and can be kept as a memento long after the ceremony ends.
Materials and Structure
Most mortarboards are constructed from a soft, but sturdy, base headpiece layered with a stiffeing board on top. The bottom is usually covered with the same material as the gown to ensure a cohesive appearance. The tassel is attached at the top centre, and it is typically threaded with a small badge or charm that may indicate the degree or faculty. The name of the hat is not merely aesthetic; its materials are selected for durability, dignity, and ease of wear during long ceremonies.
Tassels: Colour, Meaning, and Movement
The tassel is more than a decorative flourish. In many institutions, it represents transition and achievement. Tassel colours and the position during the ceremony carry meaning: tassels are moved from the right side to the left to signify the completion of the degree or attainment of honours. The exact etiquette can vary by country and by university, but the symbolic gesture remains consistent across many traditions. The tassel itself can feature insignia, year markers, or colours indicating the field of study, adding another layer to the Name of Graduation Hat’s narrative.
Variations of the Name of Graduation Hat Across Institutions
Although the structure is recognisable worldwide, universities and colleges personalise the Name of Graduation Hat with minor differences. These variations reflect regional styles, academic traditions, and institutional branding.
UK and Commonwealth Traditions
In the United Kingdom, universities frequently use the mortarboard as part of the standard ceremonial attire, paired with a gown and sometimes a hood that denotes the degree level. Some institutions incorporate a distinctive lining or trim, but the cap generally remains a square, black design with a tassel. The emphasis is on understated elegance, with regalia chosen to harmonise with the gown and hood.
North American Practices
Across North America, the Name of Graduation Hat is often combined with a wide range of gown colours and tassel options. In many US universities, the tassel colour denotes the college or discipline, while the cap itself is a traditional black or dark shade. In some institutions, graduates may have a choice of tassel colours to reflect personal achievements or honours society affiliations. The mortarboard remains the central visual element of the ceremony, linking generations of graduates through a shared symbol.
Other Regions
In Australia, New Zealand, and certain parts of Asia, the Name of Graduation Hat can be identical in design to the mortarboard, though the colours and tassel conventions may differ. Some universities adopt slightly different cap shapes or hues to align with national or cultural preferences. In all cases the cap functions as a ceremonial marker of academic success and an emblem of scholarly community.
The Symbolism and Significance of the Name of Graduation Hat
Beyond its physical form, the mortarboard or Name of Graduation Hat embodies achievements, discipline, and the passage from student life to professional career. The square, flat surface echoes a firm foundation of knowledge, while the tassel signifies movement, progress, and the moment of transition when the degree is conferred.
Colour, Rank, and Recognition
Colours in the tassel or the cap itself can denote faculties, degrees, or honours classifications. For example, a silver tassel might indicate high honours in some systems, while purple could denote a specific discipline. It is important to recognise that colour codes vary by institution, so graduates should consult their university’s regalia guide to understand the exact meanings attached to their Name of Graduation Hat’s features.
Rituals and Rites Associated with the Hat
Rituals surrounding the Name of Graduation Hat can be as meaningful as the ceremony itself. The moving of the tassel from right to left is a well-known moment, marking the completion of the degree. In some universities, the cap is also shaken or flipped to celebrate the graduation, a lighthearted custom that underscores the transition to a new stage in life. For many graduates, this hat becomes a cherished keepsake—a tangible reminder of years of study and perseverance.
Proper wear matters in formal settings, and a well-fitted mortarboard sits comfortably throughout the ceremony. Here are practical tips to ensure the Name of Graduation Hat sits correctly and remains comfortable during the day.
Finding the Right Fit
When trying on a mortarboard or academic cap, ensure that the cap sits level on the head and is snug but not tight. The tassel should be able to swing freely without obstructing vision. Some caps come with adjustable patches or inner drawstrings; utilise these features to achieve a secure fit without compromising comfort over several hours.
Placement and Tassel Etiquette
Traditionally, the tassel begins on the right-hand side and moves to the left after the degree is conferred. In practice, some institutions permit the tassel to stay on the right during the moment of graduation, particularly if the ceremony features a collective tassel-turn or if honours are being celebrated in a different sequence. Always follow the guidelines published by your university, as deviations can vary by faculty or ceremony structure.
Storage and Aftercare
After the ceremony, store the Name of Graduation Hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or material damage. A dedicated keepsake box or drawer helps protect the mortarboard from dust and accidental squashing. If cleaning is required, use a soft brush or cloth to remove dust. Do not attempt heavy cleaning that could alter the fabric or the board’s rigidity.
Different faculties may adopt coloured trims, initials, or insignia on the mortarboard or hood, which can influence how the Name of Graduation Hat is perceived within the broader regalia ensemble.
Faculty-Specific Details
In some universities, the tassel colour may reflect the field of study—such as blue for engineering, green for medicine, or gold for science. The cap itself remains typically black or navy, but luxury fabrics or subtle piping can give a refined touch for doctoral ceremonies where robes are more elaborate. For graduates, these details can enhance the visual impact of the procession and create meaningful visual signals when photos are shared publicly.
Institutional Branding
Some institutions incorporate a unique lining on the cap, matching the university crest or colour palette. The Name of Graduation Hat thus becomes part of an overall identity for the ceremony, reinforcing the pride of the university in its graduates. This branding helps distinguish a cohort, making the moment not only about the individual achievement but also about the institution’s tradition and values.
As a keepsake, the mortarboard deserves careful handling to preserve its shape and appearance for years to come. Here are practical care tips that help maintain the hat’s condition without compromising its essence.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular gentle dusting with a soft brush helps maintain the hat’s appearance. If the fabric becomes stained, use a light, colour-safe cleaner suitable for the hat’s material. Avoid soaking the cap in water, as this can warp the board or affect the stitching around the tassel. If the tassel becomes tangled, detangle it carefully with fingers or a small pin, taking care not to pull on threads that could loosen the stitching.
Storage Solutions
Store the Name of Graduation Hat in a box with tissue paper to help retain its shape. Placing the hat on a shelf or in a closed cabinet protects it from sunlight, which can cause fading over time. If the hat is displayed, consider a stand that supports the board evenly, preventing bending or warping of the square surface.
For many graduates, the mortarboard becomes a treasured memento. Collectors and alumni often preserve their hats as part of a larger collection of regalia, along with gowns, hoods, and commemorative pins. The Name of Graduation Hat can be a nostalgic link to a specific cohort, year, or course, creating a thread of memory that runs through career progression and personal milestones.
For first-time graduates, safeguarding the hat’s integrity is important. Consider retaining a certificate or programme alongside the cap, enabling future generations to appreciate the context in which the hat was worn. If you have multiple photos from the ceremony, arrange them with the hat to tell a complete story of the achievement and the occasion.
Vintage mortarboards from past decades offer a window into changing styles and materials. Some regalia suppliers also produce reproduction Name of Graduation Hat units for display or ceremonial use, enabling institutions to uphold a consistent aesthetic while allowing graduates to keep a wearable, functional item that carries historical resonance.
Here are concise answers to common questions about the Name of Graduation Hat, its use, and its meaning across different contexts.
Is the mortarboard the same as the graduation cap?
In many contexts, yes. The mortarboard is the formal term for the square, flat-top portion of the hat, while “graduation cap” is a more general term used widely in everyday speech. Both names refer to the same object, though some institutions prefer one terminology over the other in official communications.
Do all universities use the same colours for tassels?
No. Tassel colours vary by country, faculty, degree level, and even by institution. While some common schemes exist, it is best to check the regalia guide provided by the university to understand what the colours signify for a given ceremony.
Can the Name of Graduation Hat be worn after graduation in the UK?
Absolutely. Many graduates keep their mortarboard as a keepsake or display item. Some choose to reuse it during subsequent ceremonies or family events, while others retire it to a memory box alongside gowns and hood sections.
What should one do with a damaged hat after the ceremony?
If a mortarboard sustains damage during the ceremony, it may still be repaired by a professional who specialises in regalia. For treasured and ceremonial items, many families opt to have a professional conservationist assess any repairs to ensure the hat retains its historical and sentimental value.
The Name of Graduation Hat embodies more than a piece of apparel. It is a quiet ambassador of years of study, late-night revision, and the collective experience of a cohort crossing the stage. Whether you call it the mortarboard, the academic cap, or simply the Name of Graduation Hat, its significance remains constant: a symbol of achievement, a marker of transition, and a link between past, present, and future scholars. By understanding its origins, variations, and etiquette, graduates and regalia enthusiasts alike can appreciate this humble but powerful accessory for what it represents—a university’s lasting invitation to learn, grow, and contribute to society.
Appendix: Quick Reference Guide to Terms
Another term used for the mortarboard, particularly in formal contexts. A commonly spoken (and written) variant in everyday use. - Tassel: The decorative fringe attached at the centre of the mortarboard; moved during the ceremony to signify achievement.
- Hood: The coloured lining worn with the cap and gown to indicate degree level and field of study.