Graduation, Living Room Edition
Good morning, and welcome!
As the school year comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge all members of the graduating class of 2020 who are missing out on a live commencement ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduation is meant to be a rite of passage into adult life, a celebration of what has been and what is to come. It’s a time to recognize years of achievement alongside those who love you most. And, unfortunately, it just isn’t the same when conducted from a video call in your living room.
I witnessed an electronic graduation of my own on Friday morning. Our family sent out a video of my cousin, Janet, walking down the sidewalk to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” in celebration of her transition between kindergarten and first grade. She was given a diploma and a graduation cap made from a plastic bowl and a sheet of cardboard, complete with a tassel on top. “Take your little tassel, and move it to the side, like this,” my aunt explained to her.
“That means you graduated,” added my grandpa.
Though I love to see my bubbly cousin having so much fun, it is heartbreaking to consider that there are countless others who are also graduating from home this year, robbed of their final goodbyes with beloved classmates and teachers. In honor of your sacrifice, today I have 6 facts about the wild and wacky world of graduation traditions, plus tips for celebrating at home for those of you in quarantine. Let’s get through this together, one successful student at a time.
They’re actually called “mortarboards”, named after the tool that bricklayers use to spread mortar. There is evidence to support that early caps were developed in medieval times as a way to signify a member of the clergy, since all early European scholars were involved in the Christian church to some degree. It was later adapted for secular purposes. The flat, square top of the hat is practically begging to be decorated, hence the embroidery featured on early hats. Today, architecture students from Indiana’s University of Notre Dame use their mortarboards as a foundation for entire model buildings. However, we can’t forget Janet's very favorite part about this tradition: throwing the hat up in the air when the boring commencement finishes. We have naval school graduates to thank for this exciting (and occasionally perilous) custom as they disposed of their old hats upon receiving new ones to wear on the job. Somewhere along the way, the hat-throwing idea spread around and became a staple of commencement ceremonies everywhere. As for quarantined students without a hat to wear, try taking a page out of my cousin’s book and simply enjoy the sensation of throwing something, anything (maybe even an old school binder or notebook!) as you celebrate moving into the next chapter of your life.
For more info on graduation headwear, see this Graduation Source article: https://www.graduationsource.com/blog/why-we-toss-the-cap-at-the-end-of-graduation/
It’s a question every little kid sitting behind you at a commencement has asked at some point: “Why are they all wearing the same dress?” Because… well… it’s simply the way things have always been done. This tradition started in medieval Europe around the 12th century. In those days, all scholars studied and congregated in spacious classrooms or libraries for long hours during the day. Unfortunately, indoor heating wouldn’t be invented until 1816, and central heating systems weren’t available to the general public until the 1950s. Trapped in a drafty lecture hall, early pursuers of knowledge had only one option: to dress warm or drop out. Suffice to say, long robes with hoods became symbols of students and teachers everywhere as they endured long lessons in the freezing cold. Portugal's Coimbra University was the first to establish these robes as their official school uniform, not only because most people were already wearing them anyway, but also due to the fact that the attire was actually quite practical for everyday wear and encouraged unity among colleagues. Nowadays, gowns can be a bit of a hindrance, especially for sitting outside in the June sun or in a stuffy auditorium, but they still remain the signature regalia of graduates everywhere. Are you a graduate stuck at home without a gown? Try dragging out a winter coat instead. I’m fairly certain the chilly scholars who pioneered this tradition would approve!
Here’s what Columbia University has to say about the history and meaning of graduation attire: https://commencement.columbia.edu/commencement-history-regalia
The myriads of additional graduation accessories used to identify a recent graduate all have one thing in common: the “before” and “after” structure of the process. Tassels are worn on one side of the mortarboard (right side for high school and bachelor’s diplomas, left side for master’s and doctoral degrees) prior to the official graduation ceremony, and moved to the opposite side as the commencement closes. Class rings, a custom that originated at West Point Military Academy, are to be worn with the stone facing the student until after graduation, when it is turned to face outward by a favored teacher or classmate. Additionally, a lot of accessories serve to add a unique flair to the graduation regalia in accordance to the specific achievements and loyalties of the graduate. The inside lining of the graduation gown’s hood features the graduate’s school colors, while its border represents the degree being attained. For example, a strip of lilac tracing the hood signifies a degree in dentistry, crimson accounts for journalism, and gold represents psychology. Additionally, honor cords are worn in acknowledgement of sororities, fraternities, or other student organizations. While all these details seem like a lot to manage in quarantine, really they are meant to celebrate the graduate as a unique individual as they move forward in life, and you can be yourself no matter where you are!
Who knew hoods could be so complicated? The Academic Apparel’s complete guide explains it all: https://www.academicapparel.com/caps/regalia_colors.html
Modern diplomas (literally “folded paper” in the word’s Greek form) were first used in the U.S.A. back when it was still the British North American colonies. Originally, the graduation diploma was recorded in Latin by a professional calligrapher and signed by the administrators of the college attended. These diplomas weren’t handed out at the commencement ceremony, either: if you needed one, then it was your responsibility to have it made afterward. Since paper production was a lot more complicated back then, early diplomas were made of thin sheets of sheepskin. They were then rolled up, tied with a ribbon, and carried everywhere, absolutely everywhere, as proof of the degree obtained. These diplomas endured everyday wear and tear as they traveled with their graduates. Some schools still produce diplomas made from sheepskin in honor of traditional diplomas, but for the most part, it’s gone out of style as the material has lost its original practicality. (After all, when is the last time someone at a party asked you to whip out your graduation diploma?) However, these days the diploma’s role is merely symbolic, as we have much more efficient methods of recording graduates and their degrees now. So, quarantined class of 2020, what symbolizes your time as a student? Perhaps a favored pen, highlighter, or energy drink brand? Draw it on a piece of paper somewhere, hold onto it until your “real” diploma comes in the mail, and let the celebration begin!
Hey, did you know George Washington was awarded an honorary law diploma way back in 1776 for his bravery in the Revolutionary War? Read about it here: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2014/04/03/throwback-thursday-george-washington-received-first-harvard-law-degree/
“Pomp and Circumstance” has been played during nearly every American commencement since its debut in the academic world. However, this song was originally used in honor of a very different ceremony: the coronation of Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria, in England. Composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901, the melody was initially combined with lyrics written by poet Arthur Benson and titled “Land of Hope and Glory”. In England, the song is a symbol of patriotism, played at sporting events and the like. The tune was instituted as an American tradition after Samuel Stanford, a music professor at Yale University, invited Elgar to receive an honorary degree there. Elgar was among Yale’s graduating class of 1905, and his music was featured throughout the ceremony. The story goes that the Yale professors were so moved by the concluding piece, "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D", that they resolved to continue playing it at yearly commencements. By the 1920s, the song was a staple of American graduation, and, in my opinion, rightly so. The double meaning of the tune reflects the purpose of graduation as a whole, as it celebrates a final conclusion and a new beginning all at once. Please, please, please play this song if you’re graduating from home this year. There’s something about hearing the melody that adds significance to the ceremony, whether it’s held in an auditorium or your backyard.
Here’s BBC Music’s recording of the piece if you want to take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spx4kmY67Wc
Okay, quarantined graduates, I’m going to be up-front with you on this one: this is going to be a new experience for a lot of us. As senior open-houses become “drive-by” celebrations and family dinners are replaced by Zoom calls, it can be devastating to maintain distance from your loved ones during this exciting time. As the family member of a recent kindergarten graduate, I can attest to the fact that it’s incredibly disappointing that we have to be apart right now, but I can also assure you that we will be ecstatic to celebrate however you feel comfortable. Our family’s grad party tale? My grandma offered to make a cake for Janet to eat after her “ceremony”, envisioning taking an hour or so to whip up a sheet cake. However, the eager six-year-old told her that she wanted a two-layer strawberry cake topped with strawberry icing, Cool Whip and fresh strawberries too. My grandma had to borrow cake pans from a friend and work hard to get it done, but Janet's fantasy cake was ready for her to eat by the time she caught her mortarboard from the air. It won’t replace the program that her school had initially planned, but to Janet, it was a dream come true. Graduates, take this story as a reminder that you have people out there who are ready to support and love you even through the chaos of COVID-19. What can we do to make your celebration special?
Check out these heartwarming images of communities honoring 2020 graduates on BuzzFeed: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/katebubacz/graduation-2020-school-celebration-photos
There’s no doubt about it, the significance of a graduation ceremony is an experience that will be excruciating to miss. In spite of the baby crying in the back row and the sweaty or heavily perfumed classmate sitting next to you, there’s something magical about taking part in traditions that go back centuries to conclude your time as a student and enter the future prepared for wherever it may take you. However, I meant what I said about how much your families and communities care about you. We are willing to do whatever it takes to lift you up in this uncertain time in history. It gives us joy.
In case you haven’t already guessed this morning’s challenge, I’ll spell it out for you: today I dare you to show support for a graduate (or fellow graduate) in your community. From car parades to social media posts to chalk drawings, every little bit helps. Even when we can’t leave our homes, there are still multitudes of ways we can all bring each other a little closer. Let’s work together to encourage these amazing students who have worked so hard to get here this year!
Join me in saying: CONGRATS, GRAD! Congrats to Janet (you’ll do great in first grade!) and her older sister, who is moving into middle school. Congrats to the seniors at my local high school. Congrats to everyone who is ready to move into the future prepared for wherever it may take you next. Best of luck, and know that you are loved by all of us back home.
As the school year comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge all members of the graduating class of 2020 who are missing out on a live commencement ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduation is meant to be a rite of passage into adult life, a celebration of what has been and what is to come. It’s a time to recognize years of achievement alongside those who love you most. And, unfortunately, it just isn’t the same when conducted from a video call in your living room.
I witnessed an electronic graduation of my own on Friday morning. Our family sent out a video of my cousin, Janet, walking down the sidewalk to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” in celebration of her transition between kindergarten and first grade. She was given a diploma and a graduation cap made from a plastic bowl and a sheet of cardboard, complete with a tassel on top. “Take your little tassel, and move it to the side, like this,” my aunt explained to her.
“That means you graduated,” added my grandpa.
Though I love to see my bubbly cousin having so much fun, it is heartbreaking to consider that there are countless others who are also graduating from home this year, robbed of their final goodbyes with beloved classmates and teachers. In honor of your sacrifice, today I have 6 facts about the wild and wacky world of graduation traditions, plus tips for celebrating at home for those of you in quarantine. Let’s get through this together, one successful student at a time.
******
Tradition #1: The Funny Hat
For more info on graduation headwear, see this Graduation Source article: https://www.graduationsource.com/blog/why-we-toss-the-cap-at-the-end-of-graduation/
Tradition #2: The Gown
Here’s what Columbia University has to say about the history and meaning of graduation attire: https://commencement.columbia.edu/commencement-history-regalia
Tradition #3: So. Many. Details.
Who knew hoods could be so complicated? The Academic Apparel’s complete guide explains it all: https://www.academicapparel.com/caps/regalia_colors.html
Tradition #4: The Folded Paper
Hey, did you know George Washington was awarded an honorary law diploma way back in 1776 for his bravery in the Revolutionary War? Read about it here: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2014/04/03/throwback-thursday-george-washington-received-first-harvard-law-degree/
Tradition #5: The Tune
Tradition #6: The Party!
Check out these heartwarming images of communities honoring 2020 graduates on BuzzFeed: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/katebubacz/graduation-2020-school-celebration-photos
******
There’s no doubt about it, the significance of a graduation ceremony is an experience that will be excruciating to miss. In spite of the baby crying in the back row and the sweaty or heavily perfumed classmate sitting next to you, there’s something magical about taking part in traditions that go back centuries to conclude your time as a student and enter the future prepared for wherever it may take you. However, I meant what I said about how much your families and communities care about you. We are willing to do whatever it takes to lift you up in this uncertain time in history. It gives us joy.
In case you haven’t already guessed this morning’s challenge, I’ll spell it out for you: today I dare you to show support for a graduate (or fellow graduate) in your community. From car parades to social media posts to chalk drawings, every little bit helps. Even when we can’t leave our homes, there are still multitudes of ways we can all bring each other a little closer. Let’s work together to encourage these amazing students who have worked so hard to get here this year!
Join me in saying: CONGRATS, GRAD! Congrats to Janet (you’ll do great in first grade!) and her older sister, who is moving into middle school. Congrats to the seniors at my local high school. Congrats to everyone who is ready to move into the future prepared for wherever it may take you next. Best of luck, and know that you are loved by all of us back home.
Wonderful article, Maggie, as always. You hit the nail on the head, exactly how many of us feel for the graduates. My grandson graduates this year and I will miss not seeing him walk across the stage and get his diploma, but you are right that we can celebrate them in different ways. Thank you for honoring all the graduates this year, little or older.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! ❤️
ReplyDeleteVery informative and fun read!!