Why Do Graduation Caps Have Tassels?

Walk into any graduation ceremony, and you’ll notice a sea of square caps topped with swaying tassels. They’re as essential to graduation day as diplomas and heartfelt speeches—but have you ever stopped to wonder why these caps and tassels go hand in hand? It turns out, this tradition isn’t just a fashion choice; it’s a piece of history that dates back centuries. Let’s dive into the story behind graduation caps and their iconic tassels.

Before we talk tassels, let’s clarify the cap itself. You might call it a “graduation cap,” but its official name is a mortarboard. The name comes from its shape—square, flat top and a small brim— which looks just like the tool bricklayers use to hold mortar.

Mortarboards trace their roots to the 14th century, when European university students and professors wore long robes and caps to stay warm in unheated lecture halls. Back then, the caps were more like soft, round berets. Over time, they evolved into the structured square design we know today, becoming a symbol of academic achievement and unity across universities.

Tassels weren’t always part of the mortarboard—they joined the look later, and their purpose has shifted from practical to symbolic over time.

The earliest tassels were linked to the hoods that medieval scholars wore with their robes. These hoods had long, loose cords (the precursor to tassels) that could be adjusted or draped over the shoulder. As robes simplified, the cords evolved into shorter, neater tassels attached to the mortarboard’s top. This kept a connection to the tradition of academic dress, even as styles changed.

In the 19th century, American universities started using tassels to signal academic status. Different colors represented different fields: for example, gold tassels for engineering, blue for education, and white for arts and humanities. Some schools even used tassel length to distinguish between undergraduates, graduates, and professors.

Today, that color code is still used (though it varies slightly by university). And one of the most beloved graduation rituals—moving the tassel from right to left—comes from this “status” idea. Before the ceremony, tassels sit on the right side of the cap; once diplomas are awarded, graduates flip them to the left, marking their official transition from student to alum.

Beyond rank, tassels have become a personal symbol for graduates. They’re often kept as mementos—hung on rearview mirrors, framed with diplomas, or passed down to family members. For many, that small, swaying tassel isn’t just part of a cap; it’s a reminder of years of hard work, late nights studying, and the joy of reaching a major life milestone.

In a world where fashion and traditions change fast, graduation caps and tassels have stayed relevant. They’re a visual link between today’s graduates and the scholars of the past—proof that academic achievement is a timeless accomplishment.

Plus, they add a fun, festive touch to graduation day. Whether it’s a student adjusting their tassel before a photo, or a parent tearing up as they watch the tassels flip from right to left, these small details make the day feel special and meaningful.

Next time you see a mortarboard with a tassel, you’ll know it’s more than just a costume piece. It’s a mix of history, symbolism, and pride—all wrapped up in one tiny accessory. And for graduates, that tassel isn’t just something to wear on ceremony day; it’s a badge of honor that tells their story.