What does tossing graduation cap mean?

Upon graduation for the Class of 1912, graduates were given their new officer hats, deeming their midshipmen hats unnecessary, prompting them to toss the old ones into the air as a form of celebration. The act of throwing caps in the air is now widely known as a symbolic act to end a chapter of the graduate’s life.

In which year did the tossing of graduation hats originate?

1912
The first cap throwing ceremony took place at the US Naval Academy during the graduation ceremony for the class of 1912. At the US Naval Academy, students spent two years as midshipmen before graduating and becoming Navy officers. With the new title came a new hat for their uniforms.

How do you throw a graduation cap?

The cap should be worn directly on your head and not tilted back and it should lie about one inch above your eyebrows. Keep in mind that your cap will usually distinguish which side goes in the front and which side goes in the back. Simply flip your cap over and you should find the instructions on the under side.

What is the cap called when you graduate?

mortarboard hat
Despite the pandemic, however, one tradition has persisted—the square graduation cap, commonly known as a mortarboard hat. (Related: Why 2020 graduates face a graduation like no other.)

Why do people toss their caps?

It’s a tradition that was started in Naval Academy during the graduation of 1912. To graduate it was required to serve on fleet for 2 years requiring to wear hats most of the times. Upon graduation Navy officers tossed their hats showing that they don’t require them anymore.

Why do graduates wear caps and gowns?

This original European academic style was pervasive throughout the centuries and even into colonial America. After the Civil War, academic regalia was reserved strictly for graduation. For that reason, the cap and gown symbolize recognition and achievement.

What is the graduation cap and gown called?

Academic regalia
Academic regalia, also known as the “cap and gown,” varies according to the degree conferred and the level of scholarship attained. The bachelor’s gown is a simple robe that covers the entire body. The master’s gown has longer, closed sleeves.

Do you get to keep your graduation cap?

Most graduates keep only the tassel from their hat, tossing the cap and gown as soon as the ceremony ends. More than 5 million gowns wind up in landfills every year, adding to the plastic waste stream and causing great harm to the environment.

Why do graduates move the tassel?

Generally here in the states tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved to the left side to indicate that the wearer has passed from one level of learning to another like a diploma at high school or undergraduate degree – but they stay on the left and don’t move for a college …

What is said when graduates move their tassels?

Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of crossing over from high school (or college) to another stage in your life. In the future, if you receive a master’s degree or doctorate, you will place your tassel on the left of your mortarboard cap.