The Beginning of the Practice of Wearing Graduation Cap and Gown
Throughout the graduation ceremonies, each student has to wear his or her own graduation cap and gown, in order to take part in the ceremony. By wearing these caps and gowns, it means that the students have graduated officially from the school, and thus these caps and gowns symbolize success and a form of achievement. Therefore, each student who wore the graduation cap and gown represents honor and pride. So, has anyone wondered when did the practice of wearing graduation cap and gown started? How did it start, since this practice is associated with respect commanded by people? All these answers would be shortly revealed in the next following paragraphs.
In the very olden times, when Druids still existed, hoods were being worn by them which reflect their individualistic and different from the rest of the other people as well as to symbolize that they were smart and clever. As a result, these hoods that were worn by Druids commanded respect from all people, and thus, it was a very honorable thing for them to wear these hoods, during that period which existed. Since then, the practice of wearing hoods slowly began to pass down into later generations, and as with time progressed, it gradually translated from wearing hoods to wearing graduation caps, and hence, people who are going to graduate officially from schools all wear graduation caps to attend their school ceremonies. This is how the practice of wearing graduation cap started from.
As for the graduation gown, where does the origin come from and when did it started as well? During the period of the Middle Ages, people who could able to make it to go to schools and universities were being determined and were under control from the strong and overriding power that came from the various religious groups. The candidates who led the religious groups all wore gowns, as it signified respect and pride. Therefore, those people who attended schools and universities all had to wear gowns, so as to command respect from others, since not all people could have the chance and ability to enter such schools and universities, during that period of time. So, this is how graduation gowns come about.
Each student who wears the graduation cap and gown should actually feel honored and prideful, as these clothes reflect one’s success as well as achievement. Just imagine the feeling that you are of them wearing the graduation cap and gown; standing on stage to receive the certificate, and everyone in the school hall is looking at you to receive the certificate. This type of feeling is definitely very strong and deep. Thus, these caps and gowns should be respected for their rich meanings and histories that dated many years ago, and passed down until the modern times. They also represent the link, which connects the present and the past, in a respectful way. So when people wear these clothing, they should feel proud of themselves for having this opportunity to wear these clothes.
