Graduation Tassels: History, Meaning, and Colors (2024)

Graduation day is an exciting time of celebration and recognition for academic achievement. There are various traditions involved, such as the throwing of graduation caps and the turning of graduation tassels.

The moment builds throughout the ceremony. The graduates’ names are announced, diplomas are handed out, hands are shaken, and, finally, the silence before the dean announces it is time to move that tassel. The feeling and emotions of all you have accomplished truly set in as the cheers of friends and families ring out to applaud your big moment.

Of all the graduation regalia, the graduation tassel is one of the most prized and sought-after pieces of your graduation couture. So why is this professionally made tuft of hanging thread so important? Simply put, it is the meaning this little object possesses, making it a priceless remembrance once you graduate.

The History of the Graduation Tassel

Graduation tassels date back to the 14th century. European universities used tassels to represent different levels of academic achievements. This symbolism has now been given to graduation honor cords, which denote specific achievements.

In recent years, graduation tassels have been used to simply signify a graduate completing a high school or college degree.

The Tassel Flip

The tassel flip is a recent phenomenon, starting roughly fifty years ago in American universities. Tassels begin on the right side of your graduation cap and are moved to the left side once instructed by the dean and when the participants complete the transition from students to graduates.

We recommend pocketing your tassel before throwing up your graduation cap in celebration to have it as a remembrance for later years.

Graduation Tassel Colors

At first glance, the first thing you probably notice is the color of your tassel. Generally, the color of the tassel coincides with your high school or college’s school colors. The same color is used to represent your connection to the school.

The symbology Behind Graduation Tassels

Above all else, the tassel is a remembrance of your friends, favorite classes, and most memorable moments through your academic journey. A hanging charm denotes the year in which you completed your degree and realized all the hard work and hours of studying. The tassel and charm culminate as one object - a token of your achievements, the stepping stone to your future, and a symbol to look back at in the days to come.

Be Prepared For Your Graduation

All your studies, tests, and assignments have resulted in you finally being about to attend your graduation ceremony. There are still, however, a few more preparations to attend to. Graduation ceremonies are large affairs, with students dressed identically. As a result, it can be difficult for family and friends to spot you in the crowd.

To ensure you are fully prepared for your graduation, visit our site for all of your graduation regalia and accessories like graduation stoles and tassels. We offer customizable options that will ensure that your family and friends can pick out of the crowd, no matter the size of your graduation.

History of the Graduation Cap

If you are interested in the history of the graduation tassel, you may also be interested in the history of the graduation cap. The graduation cap is one of the most important aspects of a graduation outfit, and if you are interested in learning more, Tassel Depot is here to help.Graduation ceremonies date back to when these institutions first opened their doors to the public. While one could imagine that these ceremonies have changed quite drastically since their inception, the use of a cap has survived the years. Many scholars and historians believe that the use of the modern-day graduation cap was first inspired by the caps that the Roman Catholic Clergy first used. This kind of headwear was given the name biretta, and many institutions used this because the Catholic Church was quite influential at the time. The first caps were black or gray, but many universities and academic institutions have since adopted the use of their school’s colors in the garb.

History of Graduation Ceremonies

Graduation ceremonies have been a staple of academic institutions for many years. However, the graduation ceremony as we know it is a rather new development. In days past, graduation ceremonies often involved participating in plays, musicals, or other ceremonies with the entire graduating class. Other events that occurred towards the end of the school year were senior picnics, banquets, and other various parties. Graduation ceremonies, where people sit in an auditorium and receive their diplomas, are a rather new advent and have borrowed some aspects of the graduation ceremonies performed in the past.

History of Graduation Cap and Gown

Cap and gowns are pieces of clothing that are worn in graduation ceremonies, and they also have quite a history. The history of academic regalia is more in-depth than initially thought. The bachelor’s gown is the gown that covers the entire body and is the one that is regularly associated with new graduates. The Master’s gown is the gown that has longer, closed sleeves. This one is reserved for people that have graduated with a Master’s degree. A Doctoral gown is a gown that is worn by students who have gotten their PhDs and is associated with its more elaborate design and three stripes on the arms. Another facet of this gown is the fact that it comes with a hood.

More About Tassel Depot

Tassel Depot is a purveyor of graduation accessories, and we are dedicated to helping our customers who have recently graduated from their schools. Our full collection of goods includes graduation cord charms, graduation tassels for sale, graduation caps for sale, and much more. If you are interested in learning more about our business and all that we can offer you, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about our accessories for graduation.