On big days like graduation, it helps to have a guide to
follow to make sure you aren’t making any mistakes. Graduation is a rite of
passage; it’s the end of the line after years of hard work. Graduation is a
ritual - prestigious and memorable. Seniors who have completed their education
mark it with graduation traditions. Everything from clothing, graduation tassels,
to cords and gowns, graduation traditions date back to the middle ages.
Graduation Day is a day when you will be marking the
transition from one point of your life to another. Receiving that hard-earned
degree or diploma is truly a day to remember and cherish. Tassel Depot in Deerfield Beach, Florida
has been supplying graduation tassels for numerous educational institutions,
universities, and colleges in South Florida for over 50 years. Here is our list
of graduation traditions, as well as do’s and don’ts for graduates.
Graduation Gown Size
– There are a few things to know about your graduation gown. In terms of
size, your graduation gown should be baggy enough to be comfortable in the hot
summer months of May. In terms of length, your graduation gown should end
half-way between your knees and ankles. This gives comfort without being too
short or too long.
What to Wear
Underneath Your Graduation Gown – Well, you should keep it formal, if
possible. Graduation, no matter what grade or age, is a big moment and you want
to put your best foot forward. Guys should go for formal black pants, a black
button up shirt, and a tie. Girls should go for a light dress or a blouse and
skirt, but nothing long enough to be seen at the bottom of the gown. Although
it may be tempting to go casual since no one can really see it, graduation is a
more formal tradition and your attire should reflect that and be respectful.
Graduation Cap
Throwing – This graduation tradition
was believed to be invented by the U.S. Navy. On graduation day at the
academy, midshipmen would get their new officer’s hats and they would throw
their old hats in the air as a sign of appreciation. A tip from Tassel Depot:
since you most likely spent a little bit of money on your graduation cap and decorative graduation tassel, if you
throw it in the air, be sure to keep an eye on it so that you can find it. Or,
mark it on the inside to make it easier to find.
Graduation Tassel –
Probably the most frequently asked question from soon-to-be graduates: what
side to I flip my graduation tassel to? For high school and undergraduate
college, the tassel should move from right to left after you receive your
degree or diploma and the person leading the ceremony signals everyone to move
their tassel, making it official. If you are in graduate college, it moves from
left to right.
On behalf of us at Tassel Depot, Happy Graduation Day and
best of luck in your new endeavors!