Decoding the Diploma: Unraveling the Meaning Behind the Ribbon and Traditions

Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it's a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge. It's a symbolic representation of completing an educational journey, marked by traditions that have evolved over centuries. From the rolling of diplomas tied with ribbons to the colors of tassels and cords, each element carries its own significance. Understanding these traditions allows graduates and their loved ones to appreciate the depth and richness of this momentous occasion.

A Glimpse into Graduation History

The word "diploma" itself has roots in Greek Latin, meaning "double folded paper," tracing back to the mid-17th century. Diplomas serve as official certifications from educational institutions, confirming the completion of a course of study. The United States holds the distinction of being the first country to award diplomas, with Harvard University leading the way in 1813. Harvard's initial commencement in 1642 saw nine graduates receiving a "Book of Arts," later reclaimed by the school.

Initially, diplomas differed greatly from their modern counterparts. They were handwritten in Latin on thin sheepskin, a practical choice given the laborious nature of paper production at the time. The process of creating these diplomas was intricate, requiring the skills of a calligrapher to inscribe the Latin text onto parchment. The graduate then had to pay the Harvard president for his signature. James Ward, who received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1645, is the first known graduate to have a diploma made. These early sheepskin diplomas were designed to be rolled and tied with a ribbon, allowing for repeated unrolling without damage.

The Evolution of Graduation Regalia

From Birettas to Mortarboards: The Story of the Graduation Cap

The graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, has its origins in the biretta, a square cap with peaks worn by Roman Catholic clergy and academics. In the 14th and 15th centuries, students and artists adopted the biretta to signify their intellect and status. Initially, only master's and doctoral degree holders were permitted to wear the mortarboard.

The Enduring Tradition of Graduation Gowns

The rise of universities led to the adoption of graduation robes as everyday attire. Originating in the Middle Ages, these long gowns with hoods provided warmth to scholars in poorly heated environments. Many scholars were also clerics, and since clothing was expensive in the 12th century, they continued to wear their clerical robes. By the time of Henry VIII, this style of dress had become customary for scholars at Cambridge and Oxford. Schools dictated student attire, with black robes being the preferred choice. A color system was later developed in the 1800s to designate a scholar's field of study.

The Significance of "Pomp and Circumstance"

"Pomp and Circumstance," composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901, is another well-known graduation tradition. This tune was played at the coronation of King Edward VII. In 1905, when Elgar received an honorary doctorate from Yale, "Pomp and Circumstance" was played in recognition of his musical achievements.

Class Rings: A Symbol of Personal Achievement

The class ring tradition began in 1935 at the US Military Academy West Point. Initially, the rings represented the school, with a uniform design for all students. Over time, the rings became customizable, reflecting the individual graduate's interests and style.

The Diploma Today: From Sheepskin to Parchment

The practice of using sheepskin for diplomas ended approximately a century ago, with the transition to thick, sturdy parchment paper and standardized diploma sizes. Diploma covers were introduced to protect, store, and display the diploma.

The Language of Color: Tassels and Honor Cords

The color and design of a tassel can signify the school, a specific role held, or an organization the graduate belonged to. Tassels are worn on graduation caps, with graduates moving the tassel from the right side to the left after receiving their diploma.

Graduation cords, rope-like accessories worn around the neck, also carry specific meanings. The Association of College Honor Societies has codified many of these color associations, although some institutions develop their own traditions.

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Here's a glimpse into the symbolism of common graduation cord colors:

Gold: Represents academic excellence and achievement, particularly in science and mathematics, and is used by organizations like the Spanish National Honor Society, Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and Beta Club.
Silver: Signifies oratory, veterinary science, and other medical sciences, and may also be used in agriculture, business management, and physics.
Royal Blue: Often represents leadership, community service, and social sciences, and is used by Phi Kappa Pi, Alpha Kappa Mu, ASGA, Distributive Education Clubs of America, and FFA.
Navy Blue: Often showcases Philosophy graduates and is used by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers when paired with a silver cord.
Sky Blue: Designates graduates in Education and is worn by Eagle Scouts.
Red: Showcases degrees in journalism, music, public health, and conservation, and signifies membership in societies like the Spanish National Honors Society, ASGA, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and Alpha Beta Kappa.
Purple: Used by honors societies like the Science National Honor Society, HOSA, and Kappa Delta Pi, and is designated for dental and law students.
Emerald Green: Often worn by medicine graduates and students recognized for community service, and is included in the cord color schemes of Greek organizations like Kappa Delta Pi, Sigma Lambda Alpha, and Phi Sigma.
Maroon: Typically showcases forestry and theology degree recipients and designates membership in honors societies like Alpha Sigma Lambda, Delta Epsilon Sigma, and Omega Chi Epsilon.
Orange: Often worn by engineering graduates and Tau Beta Pi members.
Turquoise: Often worn by public administration and performing arts graduates and is used by sororities like Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Kappa Delta.
Forest Green: Sometimes showcases Medicine graduates, while other times silver cords are worn instead, and is a popular shade in the Biology and General Sciences departments.
White: Often honors graduates in the Humanities and Arts and is worn by the Music Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Mu, and Sigma Theta Tau.
Black: Worn by business administration, accounting, and business education graduates.

It is important to note that the specific meanings of these colors can vary by institution.

Celebrating the Achievement: Traditions and Festivities

Graduation is typically marked by celebrations and gatherings. It's common for graduates to dine with their families or for relatives to host parties honoring their academic achievements. These parties can range from simple to elaborate, with guests offering advice, well-wishes, and gifts. In recent years, online graduation parties have become increasingly popular.

Smith College Traditions

Smith College, for example, has its own unique set of traditions. A convocation has been part of Commencement since 1879, featuring recognition of retiring faculty, student prize announcements, and descriptions of college goals. Ivy Day, a tradition spanning over a century, originally included daily chapel and an address by the president. The class year was traditionally carved into the stone foundation of Seelye Hall. Another tradition involves the ivy chain, made of laurel leaves, carried by Junior Ushers.

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