Why do graduates move their tassels from right to left?

Graduates move their tassels from right to left to symbolize their transformation from student to graduate, a symbolic declaration of completing their degree requirements and marking their official entry into a new chapter, usually done at a designated moment in the commencement ceremony. The tassel starts on the right, representing the "candidate" status, and shifts to the left (closer to the heart) after receiving their diploma, signifying achievement, readiness for the future, and a rite of passage.

Why do we move tassels from right to left?

Symbolism of Turning the Tassel

Transition and Transformation: Moving the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left signifies a rite of passage, marking the transition from one phase of life to another. For high school graduates, it represents moving on to higher education or the workforce.

What are the rules for graduation tassels?

Graduation tassel rules involve placement based on degree level: undergraduates start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left after graduation, symbolizing the transition; while Master's and Doctoral candidates wear it on the left throughout the ceremony, indicating their advanced status. The tassel attaches to the cap's button, hanging down, and the color often signifies the field of study, but always follow your specific institution's instructions. 

What side do you move your tassel to when you graduate?

For undergraduates, the tassel starts on the right and moves to the left after graduation; for Master's and Doctoral candidates, it starts and stays on the left throughout the ceremony, signifying completion. High school graduates also follow the right-to-left tradition, symbolizing their transition from student to graduate.
 

Do master's graduates move their tassels?

Tassel Rules for Master's and Doctoral Graduates

For those receiving a master's or doctoral degree, the tassel placement is much simpler. You'll start the ceremony with your tassel already on the left side, and it stays there the entire time. No moving required!

Cap and Gown 101: Wearing Your Academic Regalia

What is this 🎓 called?

That symbol (🎓) is called a Graduation Cap, also known as a Mortarboard, which is a flat, square academic cap with a tassel worn during graduation ceremonies to signify academic achievement and the completion of a degree. It's a common emoji used to represent education, graduation, and learning. 

Can I buy a graduation tassel separately?

Many schools include tassels as part of the graduation regalia package, which may be available for purchase through the school's bookstore or a designated supplier. Alternatively, you can order them online with us - offering a variety of colors to match your academic field or school colors.

What do graduation cords symbolize?

Silver Cords: May signify volunteer service or significant community engagement. Pink Cords: Often represent accomplishments in music or the arts. Orange Cords: Typically represent achievements or distinctions in the field of engineering. Black Cords: Could symbolize business or accounting achievements.

What do you wear under a graduation gown?

Whichever dress code your alma mater specifies, choose a crisp, good-looking dress shirt to wear under your gown. A classic white dress shirt is always a great choice for graduation as white will contrast nicely with your gown. You can also go with a solid light color in gray, blue, or lavender.

Why did I get two tassels for graduation?

Some schools may allow or even encourage the wearing of two tassels to represent honors or special achievements.

What do tassels around the neck mean at graduation?

Graduation tassels symbolize a momentous achievement and the transition from student life to the next chapter. They serve as a visual distinction, denoting academic success and honoring graduates' hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

What color tassel is law?

The academic dress for recipients of law degrees consists of a black gown with purple velvet on the front (signifying the law degree), a black tam, a purple tassel, and a hood. The hood is a type of elongated scarf worn over the shoulders.

What are the rules for tassels at graduation?

Graduation tassel rules involve placement based on degree level: undergraduates start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left after graduation, symbolizing the transition; while Master's and Doctoral candidates wear it on the left throughout the ceremony, indicating their advanced status. The tassel attaches to the cap's button, hanging down, and the color often signifies the field of study, but always follow your specific institution's instructions. 

Which way is a graduation cap supposed to go?

To wear a graduation cap, place the flat mortarboard level on your head, about an inch above your eyebrows, with the front point centered and the elastic band at the back. Secure it with bobby pins if needed, and keep the tassel on the right side until instructed to move it to the left after graduation.
 

What do tassels symbolize?

Tassels represent achievement, transition, and remembrance, most famously seen at graduations where they signify completing a degree and moving from student to graduate, but also hold historical and religious meanings of holiness, protection, and status in other cultures. Different colors can denote fields of study or honors, while historically, they symbolized wealth, spirituality, or served as decorative art. 

What GPA is needed for an honors cord?

A GPA of at least 3.9 earns the honor of summa cum laude (meaning, with highest honors), a GPA of at least 3.7 and less than 3.9 earns magna cum laude (with high honors), and a GPA of at least 3.5 and less than 3.7 earns cum laude (with honors).

What cord do you get for a 4.0 GPA?

For a 4.0 GPA, you typically earn the highest academic honor, Summa Cum Laude, which usually corresponds to a gold or gold/color braided honor cord, though colors (like blue/gold) and specific GPA cutoffs (around 3.9-4.0) vary by university, so always check your specific school's policy. 

What color cord for 4.0 GPA?

For a 4.0 GPA, you typically earn gold cords, often paired with other colors like blue (Summa Cum Laude), or sometimes a special double gold cord, signifying top academic honors, though colors can vary by institution, with some schools using single gold, white, or even medallions for a perfect 4.0. 

How much money is an appropriate college graduation gift?

For a college graduation, typical cash gifts range from $25-$50 for acquaintances/friends, $50-$250 for close relatives, and $100-$500 (or more) for parents/grandparents, with the amount depending on your budget, closeness, and local norms, with cash often being preferred for starting a new chapter. 

Why is the tassel moved from right to left?

You move your tassel from the right to the left at graduation to symbolize the transition from being a student to a graduate, marking the completion of your degree, with the right side representing your student status and the left side signifying your new graduate status. This is a key moment in the ceremony, usually directed by the officiant, and it's a visual declaration of achievement for undergraduates. Master's and doctoral graduates typically start with their tassel on the left, as they already hold a higher degree. 

What goes around your neck when you graduate?

A graduation stole is a sash-like graduation gown accessory worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to symbolize achievements, affiliations, or honors. Typically draped around the neck and over the shoulders, graduation stoles come in various colors and designs, each carrying its own significance.

How should a tam be worn?

How do I wear my graduation tam?

1. Take your tam out of its packaging and make sure it has the correct number of sides.
2. Place the tam on your head. ...
3. Adjust the top of the tam to have a slight tilt to the right. ...
4. Rotate the tam so the bullion tassel is on the left side of your head.
5. Look fabulous.

Does the tassel go on my right or your right?

Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates.