Why graduates wear caps and gowns, and why they toss caps in the air
This article explores the historical origins of academic regalia, including the traditional caps and gowns worn at graduation ceremonies. It explains how these garments evolved from utilitarian clothing used for warmth in medieval European universities into symbols of academic achievement.
Why it matters
Understanding these traditions provides context for modern academic rituals and highlights the long-standing connection between contemporary education and historical European institutions.
Every graduation ceremony is filled with familiar sights: rows of students dressed in flowing gowns, square caps perched on their heads and the unforgettable moment when hundreds of caps soar into the air. These traditions are so common that few people stop to wonder where they came from or what they actually mean. But behind every cap, gown and tassel lies a fascinating history that stretches back hundreds of years.The academic attire worn during graduation ceremonies is much more than just ceremonial costumes. The academic regalia has a long history associated with education and signifies academic excellence and also links current graduates to the first universities in Europe. Even the very celebration of throwing off one’s graduation hat is not without its history. The medieval origins of caps and gownsThe tradition of wearing academic robes dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when Europe's first universities were established.
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