It is the standard attire for the graduating student: the cap and gown. The origin of graduations are thought to be in churches in the 12th century, when Universities in Europe first began to appear. The reason robes and gowns were the choice of apparel was to keep warm in church, where heating wasn’t common or practical. In 1321, the gown was established as the standard form of dress for graduation because excessive apparel was thought as improper.
The cap origionally wasn’t a cap at all. It was a hood, warn by Druid Preists to show superiority and higher intellect. It was assumed that preists had a better understanding of science, probably because of their religous significance. The tassle that is attached to the hat simply shows academic acheivment that the graduating student has accomplished.
The history of graduation is too long for any single story, but hopefully this gives you some insight on what significance our cap and gowns have in today’s graduation ceremonies.
-Mike Pyka
Sources:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewArticle.asp?id=24258
http://www.academicapparel.com/caps/cap-gown-history.html
