History of the Graduation Gown

When you are a graduate from college you may not realize that it is considered a cultural tradition that is often considered by many a rite of passage into the world. The overall graduation ceremony will mark a transition for you from one particular of your academic career to another.
The very first graduation commencement has been said to take place as far back as 1432 at Oxford University. At this very first commencement, the graduates were required to deliver a sermon in the Latin language as a final part of his overall curriculum requirements. They were also required a cap and gown as a part of the overall dress code for graduation but where did they cap and gown actually originates from?
The mortarboard of today was once called a hood and this hood was said to be dated clear back to the age of the Celtics. During that time, the only ones said to wear these caps and gowns were the Druid Priests as a form of symbolizing their superiority and higher intelligence. However, today the mortarboard is worn by students as a part of their overall graduation dress code. The tassel that is attached to your mortarboard is used to signify your academic achievement and structure.
Before the 1950’s the graduation gowns were grey in color and this was only practiced in the US. In Europe however, the gown has been found to be used as far back as the 1800’s and was then used to signify particular areas of study that the individual may be engaged in at that time. During the 1950’s students of various institutions began to ask for caps and gowns that would represent their school colors as a part of their graduation dress code. They felt it would be a great way for them to show their school pride along with their great achievement. They had their wish granted and today as a result, there are gowns available in a wide array of different colors that are available.
The overall academic dress codes for graduations were said to be born during the 12th and 13th centuries. During this era, the standard day to day dress code of faculty and students alike was the standard clerical dress. Around 1321 however the University of Coimbra made the decision that all Doctors, Bachelors, and Masters would be required to wear their gowns daily as a part of their overall dress code for their particular school.
So as you can see the history of your graduation gowns and the traditions that surround it goes back for hundreds of years. Students just like you have been worn them as a symbol of their great achievement. So as you put on your gown for your own graduation commencement you should really take a few moments to reflect on the graduates of the past and feel a sense of pride. Furthermore, remember people of yesterday had to wear these gowns every day, and today you only have to wear it for one of the most special moments in your life, your own graduation.