The tradition of graduation tassels at the graduation ceremonies has been practiced since medieval times, when scholars wore caps and gowns to show their academic status. Originally, tassels were simply used for decorating the graduation cap. But today, it has become tradition to move tassels to the left side after students receive their diplomas. This act shows that students become graduates, and the different colors represent their degrees. These old traditions are still relevant and followed by students with full enthusiasm.
Introduction: Graduation Tassels
Graduation ceremonies are a tradition of celebrating students’ achievements and milestones. Each color of graduation tassel represents a different field of study and shows your academic accomplishment during the ceremony. Understanding the meaning of graduation tassel color helps you choose the right one and make this event more meaningful. For example orange for engineering, blue for education, and white for arts, etc. These colors help to categorize students according to their field of study. It helps to identify their academics and achievements. Many educational institutes prefer to add their branding and logo on the tassels to make them professional.
These custom tassels represent the institute’s core values and the diverse fields of study they offer. This blog guide discussed different types of graduation tassels, and what side does the tassel go on before graduation? These tassels have a rich history of being used during graduation ceremonies. Explore this guide for more information.
What Are The Different Types of Graduation Tassels and Their Meanings?
Graduation tassels come in different colors, which represent different fields of study. These color associations are based on long-standing regalia guidelines observed by many universities and colleges.
Meaning of the Graduation Tassel Color:
Understanding the types of college graduation tassel colors and what they mean can bring meaning to your ceremony and even enhance your appreciation of this academic accessory.
Orange Tassels: They represent all types of engineering graduates.
Light blue: The blue color is representative of all education major graduates.
White color: White-colored tassels are worn by arts and humanities majors. The color associated with business degrees is typically called drab or beige.
Golden Yellow: The Golden yellow color tassel is meant for science graduates.
Green Color Tassels: Those with degrees in healthcare fields wear similar shades of green, and MDs graduate wearing bright Kelly green hoods.
Silver: Educational institutes offer silver-colored cords for volunteer or community service.
Gray: Gray-colored tassels are designed for the veterinary science graduates.
Brown: Brown-colored tassels are used for the fine arts, including theater arts and visual arts.
Purple: Purple is used by many honor societies, including HOSA, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Science National Honor Society.
Red Tassels: Red graduation honor cords showcase degrees in journalism, music, public health, conservation, and many other disciplines.
The tassel color system honors a variety of fields of study as well as each student’s efforts to earn their diplomas. Understanding the significance of your Graduation Tassels and Honor Cords will help you find the best graduation tassel for your ceremony.
How to Wear a Graduation Cap and Tassel?
Before knowing how to put on the graduation hat and tassels. Choose the right size of hat that can properly fit your head. Choose a cap made with good-quality fabric and an adjustable size. To wear a graduation hat and tassels properly, place your cap on your head facing forward. It should be slightly above your eyebrows, and attach the tassel to the graduation cap at the center of the top. While attaching the tassel in graduation cap, keep it on the right side.
Graduation Tassel Side: Left or Right?
Before the graduation ceremony, the tassel stays on the right side of the cap. After you receive your diploma and officially graduate, move the tassel to the left side. This tradition symbolizes a student graduating and holding their achievements with pride, just like preserving diplomas in elegant diploma holders. Remember, tassels at graduation—right or left—is an important movement in your life. It is simple yet meaningful.
How to Choose The Right Graduation Tassel?
Consider the following points when selecting the appropriate graduation tassel:
Tassel color: Tassels come in various color options to represent different fields of study. Choose colors of tassels for graduation according to your requirement. You can choose tassel colors for science, commerce, medical, arts, or extracurricular activities.
Quality: Tassels are made from a variety of materials, including silk, polyester, cotton, satin, and rayon. The material used can affect the appearance and cost of the tassel, so choose according to your budget.
Right size: When choosing the graduation tassel, start with the right side or graduation tassel side. It should be no longer than a graduation cap; choose a tassel that can be adjusted above the neck.
Customization: Graduation tassels can be personalized with the school logo, name, text, and graduation details. These small details help to make the graduation tassel.
Conclusion
Choosing the graduation hat and tassels is a part of graduation ceremony preparation. Whether you are graduating from the school or a PhD program, a tassel represents your achievements and status as a graduate. Schools and colleges offer graduation tassels to the students for their academic and non-academic performance and accomplishments. They are designed in different colors and sizes and with the brand details of the institution. To choose the right tassels, understand the meaning of graduation tassel colors and their meaning. They are provided to the graduates for their contribution to science, arts, engineering, medicine, music, commerce, sports, photography, painting, quiz competitions, and many other activities. By understanding different aspects of graduation tassels, you can make informed decisions.
FAQS
Q1: Can I wear a different tassel color than my major?
You can wear a different tassel color than your major, but it’s not a common practice for undergraduates, as the standard is to wear the color representing your degree’s discipline.
Q2: Are tassels reusable for future ceremonies?
Yes, tassels can be reused, but it also depends on your institute’s policies. You can simply keep them in a box or create a frame. A beautiful frame with a graduation tassel will remind you about your achievements and graduation day.
Q3. What side does the graduation tassel go on?
Before the ceremony, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap. After graduates receive their diplomas, it is moved to the left side.
Q4. Why is the tassel moved from right to left?
The tassel is moved from right to left as a symbolic gesture marking the transition from student to graduate, representing academic achievement and success.
Q5. What is the significance of turning the tassel?
Turning the tassel is a graduation tradition that signifies the completion of studies, recognition of accomplishments, and the beginning of a new chapter in life.
