Mortarboard hats | Classic graduation hats

Mortarboards: Great success for university graduates

The highs and lows of the degree have been conquered and you have now graduated. That’s a reason to celebrate! And there’s one thing you shouldn’t be without: a mortarboard. It’s not surprising that this famous hat has become popular outside of America. In this country, too, people believe that gowns and hats are simply part and parcel of a successful university graduation ceremony.

What is the term for the hat at graduation?

The black hat with its square top and tassel is called a ‘mortarboard’ because of its shape. We know it as a cap, graduation cap, bachelor’s hat, master’s hat, doctoral cap, academic hat or graduate cap.
For proper recognition of years of work, you deserve to wear the robe and, above all, the graduation cap. Now the time has come: Once again this autumn, thousands of bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates will leave their universities again!

A hat with history

The typical mortarboard hat shape has been around since the middle of the 15th century and was particularly popular among scholars, shaped by the strong influence of the church on teaching. This is because the hat, which is part of academic ceremonial clothing, originates from the traditional vestments of the Catholic clergy. Decorations such as cords, beads or feathers would be attached depending on status or position.

The tradition of the mortarboard

Traditionally, the mortarboard was symbolically presented at the graduation ceremony, especially when the graduate was receiving their doctorate. From this point on, the graduate was entitled to wear the classic regalia to present himself to the outside world as a scholar. Having consistent official attire primarily served to differentiate academics from courtly society, which often had no access to education, as well as for differentiation among the scholars themselves. The faculties were distinguished from one another by different coloured clothing. This was intended to illustrate the various ranks of the faculties and the prevailing relationship of authority between them.

This tradition has stood the test of time and to this day the graduates of different the faculties wear different coloured tassels, hats or gowns. Ever since this time, it has been customary for lawyers to wear a purple tassel, medical graduates a green tassel and theologians a red tassel on their mortarboards. These days, however, this is only of symbolic importance. Although mortarboards are less commonly worn for the presenting of doctorate degrees these days, they have always been a symbol of the achievement of an academic title, e.g. a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Traditional graduation: Wearing the mortarboard correctly

Gowns and graduation caps are essential for a traditional graduation ceremony. But how do you wear the mortarboard correctly?

Put it on properly

Graduation caps usually come in a one size fits all finish and, thanks to their flexibility, will stay securely in place on almost every wearer. Fairly lightweight synthetic fibres are used, so they keep you cool, even in the higher temperatures of the summer months. High quality mortarboards, such as the graduation cap made by the Lierys brand, also have additional padding in the head area. The cap is very easy to put on thanks to the flexible material used. You should, however, make sure that the elastic fitting is at the back of the head. It is also important that the square-shaped hat has one peak pointing forwards. The hat should come down to the middle of your forehead and the flat top should be straight, i.e. parallel with the floor.

The right tassel

Is the hat sitting properly on your head? Perfect! Then all that’s missing is the right tassel. If your cap doesn’t have a tassel, remember to attach it before putting the cap on. The tassel loop is simply placed over the small button in the middle of the top of the cap and fastened in place. When choosing your tassel, you should also make sure to pick the right colour for your faculty. If your university allows it, you can also decorate the tassel and cap with an attractive accessory, e.g. a pendant or decoration.

Follow traditions

Now it can get started. In many countries it is traditional to wear the tassel on the right of the cap before the ceremony or degree presentation. After presentation, it is then moved over to the left. The cap is worn for the duration of the ceremony, especially in the USA, except when the national anthem is playing. Only afterwards is the cap taken off and collectively thrown up into the air.

In closing

After the ceremony, the mortarboard cap is usually placed on the graduate’s bookshelf as a nice memento. There is rarely another occasion on which the cap can be worn a second time. This makes mortarboard caps similar to top hats worn by grooms on their wedding day. This, too, is worn for just one event, but every wearer is sure to remember it for the rest of their life.