Historical Graduation Gowns
Graduation gowns are perhaps the most widely recognized of formal dresses in the world. They are used all across the globe, especially in places touched by the European colonists of the days of yore. Everyone can recognize the gowns, the graduation caps, the tassels and the sashes. Indeed, many of us even have had to wear them at least once in our lifetime. It seems that it is the one dress that never seems to go out of fashion. Perhaps that is because the field of academia relies on progression from one idea to another, instead of trends that disappear after a while. Paleontologists don’t suddenly revert back to the idea of vertical-backed, tail dragging dinosaurs just for the fun of it, for instance. Academic principles and ideas are founded over time through careful study, and it is only befitting that brothers and sisters of the same struggle be dressed similarly, at least on the right occasion.
A little digging tells us that graduation gowns have been in existence for at least five hundred years if not more. Initially it seems that the graduation gown, or the academic dress as it is formally known, was made to be worn as an uniform during one’s time inside the campus. This practice more or less disappeared in America after the Civil War, however it still persists in a handful of colleges. Initially, it is to be noted, the dressing had no standard code or meaning. However, over time the graduation dress has been assigned meanings and guidelines to be followed. For instance, only a few materials are accepted and an academic dress must follow a prescribed minimum of accessories to qualify. High school graduation gown must have a different number of tassels depending on the qualifications of the student, for example, and must be of a certain color and a certain fabric. As one advances through the ranks of academia the colors and the number of tassels change. Initially, the academic dress was only used for higher ranking studies, like masters and doctorates. However, increasing popularity of the academic dress has resulted in graduation ceremonies being performed even for preschool students. Young children are dressed in their preschool graduation gowns and made to walks across the stage just like a high school student, save for the fact that the gowns have no color or design limitations.
High school graduation cap and gown ceremonies used to be the initial minimum qualifying graduation ceremony, but now schools are seen to be celebrating primary school, middle school and even preschool graduation days. Because there are no legal problems involved in moving through grades in school, the practice is accepted and not looked down upon. It is a good and fun way of making scholastic life more interesting. Children are made to sing and dance, all the while wearing their gown and graduation hats and everyone goes home happy. Because there are no limitations placed on these ceremonies, the dresses tend to come in a more colorful variety.
