Why do grads don caps and gowns?

Graduation ceremonies are

steeped in tradition, the most

noticeable of which may be

the caps and gowns worn by

students on hand to receive

their degrees.

Even this year, during a

time of unprecedented changes

in tradition, students are

still wearing graduation garb

to celebrate their achievements

during virtual ceremonies.

This attire likely dates back

Why do grads don caps and gowns?

to 12th century Europe, when

students would wear hoods

and gowns that resembled

those worn by their teachers,

who were members of the

clergy. According to Colorado

State University, in 1321

a statute of the University of

Coimbra in Portugal declared

that all “Doctors, Licentiates,

and Bachelors” wear gowns.

That means that the mandatory

graduation gown is on

the cusp of celebrating its

700th anniversary. Hoods,

caps and gowns not only

signifi ed a certain status of

the students wearing them,

but they also served a more

practical purpose, helping to

keep students warm in the unheated

buildings where they

were being taught. Ironically,

many modern graduates, may

lament that their caps and

gowns make them feel hot,

especially during outdoor

ceremonies!