History of Graduation

The first Baccalaureate Ceremony commenced at Oxford University in 1432. At that time each student was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic applications. The term of Graduation dates back to 1909 when Arnold van Gennep called it the "Rite of Passage". Gennep said that there had to be three things for the rite of passage to include. 1. Separation from Society 2. Inculcation Transformation 3. Return to Society in a New Status.

The elements like caps, gowns, and speeches in a graduation came from other culture traditions to signify a sort of higher importance and status in ones community. The Caps that are worn in a graduation signify the student's academic institution and degree. This custom is said to derive from Celtic groups who's Druid priest wore hoods to signify their superiority and intelligence. The tassel that is attached signifies the student's academic achievement. The color of the graduation gown prior to the 1950's was gray in the U.S., but in European countries color gowns were used back in the 1800s to signify the area of study. In the U.S. around the 1950's students began to ask for cap and gowns that represented their school colors which is now a custom in graduations these days. Speeches are usually given by a guest speaker who gives a few words to inspire the students to the "real world" and to remember what they have been taught in their education at the institution.

Graduation is used to symbolize the culmination of many years of hard work. It is a time for you, your family and friends to recognize and celebrate your success. This is a sense of reward for those who have spent many hours towards there studies and are now complete and are qualified in there area of study.

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