For all of us, a graduation ceremony is a social practice that is regarded a ritual of passage. The ceremony signifies the transition of a student to another chapter of his educational life.
How to Make a Graduation Cap
A graduate cap can be easily made if you want to add a personal touch to your graduation. Here is a simple guide in making a cap:
- Select any poster board of your choice and cut it in two squares of 12 inches each or so depending on the size of your head.
- Paint both square sides of the poster board accented by the school colors or whatever is the color needed for your graduation.
- Allow them to dry, then cut big V shapes on the corners, fold up the edges, and fasten them together. This will be the part of the cap that will go on your head.
- Put a little bit of glue in the square piece center of the board that you did not cut and stick the top of the hat to it.
- For final changes, you can make a ribbon or yarn tassel and attach it to the poster board center.
Tossing of the Graduation Caps
The tradition of tossing the blue graduation cap after the ceremony is still a favorite part for most of the graduating students. Problems arise when the caps fall down and it’s time to find your own cap. Today, names and addresses of the students are placed inside the caps so that the owners can find them quickly.
History of Graduation Caps
During the 12th Century, only the Druid priests were dressed in hooded capes, signifying their greatness and superior intelligence. After that, various European universities discovered the use of the academic robe and graduation caps that later became essential for any graduation day ceremony. They first called it a hood to safeguard students from the cold weather. Heaters were not yet created at that time, hence the made use of the cap and robe to remain warm. The robe and the graduation cap in the present form already has undergone changes as every academic organ
ization is symbolized by a different color. However, most of the caps and robes used are black. The universities and degree colleges are not the only ones who use the graduation cap and gown, but even the students from kindergarten through high school.
Caps and gowns for graduation are usually kept as a remembrance as you move on to another chapter of your life. Many caps are available online, at such places as americancapandgown.com.