The Story of Princeton University's Colors: Orange and Black
Princeton University, an institution steeped in tradition and academic excellence, is widely recognized for its distinctive colors: orange and black. This article delves into the fascinating history of how these colors came to represent the university, exploring the influences, key figures, and pivotal moments that shaped Princeton's visual identity. From early student initiatives to official adoption by the Board of Trustees, the story of Princeton's colors is a testament to the university's rich heritage and enduring spirit.
The Genesis of Orange: Honoring the Prince of Orange
The evolution of Princeton's colors began in 1866. That year, George Ward, a member of the Class of 1869, proposed the color orange in reference to the Prince of Orange, William III of the House of Nassau. William of Orange's colors were orange and blue. Students complained about the lack of official school colors at the College of New Jersey (better known simply as “Princeton” as early as 1756) in the June 1867 Nassau Literary Magazine. Faculty approved the wearing of orange ribbons with “Princeton” printed on them in black ink to represent the College of New Jersey on October 12, 1868.
The Emergence of Black: A Complementary Hue
Orange and black followed in 1873. Students in the regatta at Saratoga, New York in 1874 wore orange and black ribbons on their hats, which had been purchased by William Libbey of the Class of 1877. A sample of orange and black ribbon purchased by William Libbey in 1873 shows that the orange has faded somewhat over time. In fact, the 1874 baseball uniforms had orange trimming against a “greyish blue,” perhaps reflective of the original orange and blue color scheme for the House of Nassau. Yet it seems unlikely that with blue’s already-close association with Yale that it would have achieved much popularity for Princetonians, who hoped to show their school pride by bearing their team colors at sporting events.
The cannon was a longstanding symbol of Princeton and one that predates other symbols, as can be seen in an 1889 menu for the Class of 1879’s tenth reunion dinner. In part, the cannon contributed the black in the orange and black color scheme eventually adopted. In 1876, Princeton’s football team wore black jerseys with an orange “P” on the chest in their game against Yale. By the end of the 1870s, orange and black were understood to be Princeton’s colors.
Endorsement and Standardization
In 1888 "The Orange and the Black," written by Clarence Mitchell of the Class of 1889 to a tune arranged by Ernest Carter of the Class of 1888, further endorsed the colors. Stephen Voorhees, of the Class of 1900, an architect and trustee emeritus, discovered that there was no reference standard for Princeton orange.
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Official Adoption and a Near Change of Heart
Dear Mr. There were no official school colors at the College of New Jersey (better known simply as “Princeton” as early as 1756) until it assumed the name Princeton University in 1896. By the time of Princeton’s grand sesquicentennial celebration in 1896, academic dress had become a symbol of pride. But this was not official until 1896, when the Board of Trustees adopted orange and black as the colors of the gowns for Princeton University as they changed the name of the institution. At the time, some were advocating that the colors be changed to orange and blue to reflect the historical significance of the pairing as the original colors of House of Nassau, but this did not win the day.
The Enduring Symbolism of Orange and Black
Rumors circulated at Rutgers that they should not choose orange and black as their colors because those colors belonged to Princeton, though this had not officially been set. The colors of William of Orange were orange and blue, and orange and black came about largely through repetition more than intent. The Class of 1870 ribbon represents the earliest extant use of orange and black.
Princeton's Shield: A Complementary Symbol
Princeton's shield is adapted from the central image of the University Seal, the corporate signature of the trustees that is embossed on diplomas and printed on official documents. The shield depicts an open Bible inscribed with VET NOV TESTAMENTUM, to signify the Old and New Testaments, above a chevron that represents the rafters of a building.
Academic Regalia: A Visual Representation of Legacy
Academic regalia is a powerful symbol of scholarly achievement. Every aspect-from the flowing robes to the intricate hoods-holds significance, representing individual success and a connection to centuries of academic excellence and university heritage. At Princeton University, this symbolism is deeply ingrained in its traditions. The distinctive Doctoral Regalia reflects both a dedication to educational rigor and a celebration of its remarkable history. By understanding the meaning behind these garments, we can better appreciate their role in ceremonial events.
Academic regalia has its origins in medieval Europe, where it was worn by scholars at early universities. These garments have always represented knowledge and academic success. With time, various universities began embracing their cultural heritage through academic attire. Different regions developed unique styles influenced by local customs, further enriching the tapestry of scholarly tradition. In 1895, a significant milestone occurred with the establishment of The Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume. John J. McCook played a pivotal role as a member of the Intercollegiate Commission on Academic Costume, formed in 1893 to standardize academic regalia across American universities. Princeton University carries forward this legacy by incorporating elements from both its historical background and American academic practices into its regalia.
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Princeton University, steeped in tradition and academic excellence, has a distinctive approach to its doctoral regalia that reflects both its rich history and unique identity. Founded as the College of New Jersey in 1746, during the colonial era, Princeton originally served as a training ground for New Light Presbyterian ministers. It first had its location in Elizabeth, moved to Newark, and finally settled in Princeton in 1756. Princeton’s school colors of orange and black have a storied history as well.
Academic regalia, like caps and gowns, fluctuated in popularity at Princeton in its early years. Although students were briefly required to wear gowns in the 1750s, this rule was soon lifted, and gowns didn’t make a full comeback until the late 19th century.
Building on its color heritage, Princeton University introduced distinctive features into its academic regalia. For instance, Princeton’s PhD gown incorporates a bold blend of tradition and innovation, incorporating the university’s iconic colors of orange and black into its design. This decision, in part, responded to other Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale, which had adopted colored gowns for their doctoral graduates, with crimson and blue respectively.
Beyond the PhD Gown, Princeton’s doctoral regalia includes an identifying hood that speaks further to the university’s heritage. The hood, designed by the Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume (IBAC), features an orange lining and black chevron. This design element is likely inspired by Princeton University’s coat of arms. Earlier versions of the doctoral hood were lined entirely with orange but now the chevron defines the garment. The doctoral hood is also trimmed with blue velvet, signifying the Ph.D. degree, and is lined with luxurious orange satin, marked by the iconic black chevron. This combination proudly displays the wearer’s affiliation with Princeton. The Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume (IBAC) assigned Princeton a hood with an orange lining and a black chevron.
The Princeton PhD regalia is completed by the distinguished eight- sided doctoral tam, also known as a doctoral cap. The Princeton doctoral tam differs significantly from the more traditional mortarboards worn by undergraduates. Rooted in centuries of academic tradition, the tam visually distinguishes doctoral recipients from those with lower degrees, with its octagonal shape symbolizing completeness and mastery-attributes that align with the highest level of academic accomplishment. Beyond its symbolic importance, the tam offers practical advantages as well. Its velvet material and flexible design ensure a comfortable fit while maintaining a dignified appearance throughout the ceremony. Princeton’s regalia is a testament to how academic dress can be both traditional and forward-thinking.
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Orange and Black in the Modern Era
Princeton University boasts a remarkable history of producing Nobel laureates, each of whom has made significant contributions to their respective fields. These distinguished individuals, clad in Princeton's distinctive PhD regalia during their graduation ceremonies, are a testament to the university's enduring legacy of academic excellence. Among them is John Bardeen, the only person to win the Nobel Prize in Physics twice-first in 1956 for inventing the transistor, a groundbreaking development that revolutionized modern electronics, and again in 1972 for his work on superconductivity. Equally impressive is Toni Morrison, the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Her profound exploration of African American life and her powerful storytelling solidified her place as one of the most influential voices in literature. These celebrated individuals exemplify Princeton's commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and scholarly advancement. The university's environment encourages students to push boundaries, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
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