The Tassel Turn: A Symbol of Achievement
Graduation day is a momentous occasion, a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and countless late nights. Amidst the cheers, the gowns, and the proud smiles, there's one distinct ritual that marks the transition from student to graduate: the tassel turn. Many people have witnessed this act, but fewer understand the precise meaning and history behind moving the tassel from right to left. So, let's dive into the details of this significant tradition.
What Exactly is the Tassel Turn?
The tassel turn is the symbolic act performed by students during a commencement ceremony where they shift the tassel on their academic cap, or mortarboard, from the right side to the left side. This action signifies that the student has officially completed their degree requirements and has graduated.
Why is it Moved From Right to Left Specifically?
The direction of the tassel turn is not arbitrary; it holds a specific meaning. Traditionally, a student wears their tassel on the right side of their cap before they have officially graduated. This signifies that they are still a candidate for graduation, still in the process of completing their studies. When the presiding official, often the university president or a dean, declares that the graduating class has successfully completed their degrees, the students are then instructed to move their tassels to the left.
Moving the tassel to the left indicates that the student has achieved their academic goal and has officially earned their degree. It's a visible representation of their accomplishment and their transition into the ranks of alumni.
The Order of the Ceremony and the Tassel Turn
The tassel turn is typically one of the final acts of a graduation ceremony. It usually occurs after all the graduates have been individually recognized, whether by name or by college/department. The presiding official will often give a specific cue, such as, "By the authority vested in me, I now confer upon you all the degrees for which you have qualified. Turn your tassels from right to left." At this command, the entire graduating class simultaneously shifts their tassels, creating a powerful visual moment.
Who Decides When to Turn the Tassels?
The decision of when the tassels are turned is ultimately made by the academic institution's administration. The commencement speaker, the university president, or the dean presiding over the ceremony will provide the instructions. They are the ones who officially declare the students graduated, and thus, the ones who authorize the symbolic shift.
The History and Evolution of the Tassel Turn
While the exact origins of the tassel turn are somewhat debated, the practice is deeply rooted in academic tradition. Historically, academic regalia, including the cap and gown, has a long and rich history, dating back to the medieval universities of Europe. The mortarboard itself evolved from the biretta, a square cap worn by clergy. The tassel's placement and movement likely evolved as a way to visually distinguish between those who were still pursuing their degrees and those who had successfully completed them.
The practice of moving the tassel from right to left is believed to have become more standardized in American higher education over time. It provides a clear, collective moment for graduates to acknowledge their achievement and for the academic community to recognize it.
What Does the Tassel Symbolize?
Beyond its role in the turning ceremony, the tassel itself has symbolic meaning. The color of the tassel can often indicate the wearer's field of study. For example:
- White: Arts, Letters, Humanities
- Gold: Science, Mathematics, Engineering
- Yellow: Broad fields including philosophy and some social sciences
- Purple: Law
- Blue: Education
- Green: Medicine
- Maroon: Architecture
The cord to which the tassel is attached, and often the tassel itself, can also signify degree levels, with doctoral students often having a gold tassel.
The Significance of the Moment
The tassel turn is more than just a physical movement; it's a profound symbolic gesture. It represents:
- Completion: The end of a challenging academic journey.
- Achievement: The successful attainment of a degree.
- Transition: Moving from the role of student to that of alumnus.
- Unity: A shared experience with fellow graduates, marking a collective milestone.
It's a moment that is often captured in photographs and cherished as a memory of hard-earned success.
The tassel turn is a beautiful and fitting culmination of a graduate's academic journey, a visual testament to their perseverance and accomplishment.
Can You Turn Your Tassel Early?
Generally, no. The tassel turn is meant to be performed as a collective act at the official conclusion of the ceremony, signifying that all degree requirements have been met and officially conferred. Turning it early would undermine the symbolic significance of the moment and the authority of the presiding officials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know when to turn my tassel?
A: You will know when to turn your tassel based on the instructions given by the presiding official at your graduation ceremony. This is typically done as one of the final steps in the commencement program, after all degrees have been officially conferred.
Q: Why is the tassel on the right side before graduation?
A: The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap before graduation to indicate that the student is still a candidate for graduation and has not yet completed all degree requirements. It visually distinguishes them from those who have already graduated.
Q: What if I'm graduating with multiple degrees?
A: Policies can vary slightly by institution. In most cases, if you are graduating with multiple degrees, you will typically only have one cap and gown and will turn the single tassel. The specific color of the tassel may reflect your primary field of study, or sometimes the institution has guidelines on how to represent multiple fields.
Q: Does the color of my tassel mean anything?
A: Yes, the color of your tassel generally signifies your academic discipline or college within the university. Common colors include white for arts and letters, gold for science and mathematics, and blue for education, among others. Check with your university's commencement guide for a complete list of tassel colors and their meanings.
