Graduation is the most exciting and memorable event in our school life. That day is commemorated with joyous atmosphere and who would ever forget how you looked that day with your whole academic regalia!
However, no matter how many graduations have happened, no matter how many graduates have worn their exclusive academic hoods, caps and gowns, it seemed to me that not everyone is aware of what it means to wear academic regalia.
Yes, it is the garment you are required to wear during the graduation ceremonies, but do you know why that is done so? Do you know the history behind it all? Yes, I bet you haven’t have had an inkling. Do not fret. As they say, “knowledge is power”. So the more you know about simple, yet significant things, the more you’ll see how wonderful things are.
Did you know that the graduation hoods or academic hoods were originally worn by students in cold places? This actually dates back to the medieval period, back to the Celtic periods where the druids or priests wore robes with hoods to represent their superiority.
These priests are said to have superior knowledge in the fields of science and nature. Hence, the academic hoods represent superior knowledge. Throughout the time, hoods were incorporated to graduation gown and are worn to distinguish a student and recognize them for the achievements they have accomplished.
The velvet color on the outer edge of the hood indicates the graduate’s degree and the college or university he or she graduated in. You have probably noticed them among the arts and Integrated Studies students which have white colored hoods, Master of Business Administration have Royal Blue, Master of Counseling with Smoke Blue, Master of Nursing have Light Blue, and Master of Science or Information Systems have Gold or Yellow.
Professional for faculty and staff and Verona for students and temporary are the two different brands of academic hoods. They are other four styles that are available:
• Associate Cowl (for Associate Degrees for AA degree)
• Bachelors Hood
• Masters Hood
• Doctoral Hood.
The design of both the hood and gown depends upon the kind of degree a student is pursuing. For example, gowns worn by a Bachelor’s Degree graduate has pointed sleeves and no hood. Master’s degree graduates however have a long gown with sleeves that have arm slits and a narrow hood. Lastly, Doctorate graduates have a gown with draped wide hood.
Take in mind that the wearing of academic regalia has a long and meaningful history backing them. So when it is your time to wear them, wear them with pride; knowing that these garments are given only to those who have achieved so much in their academic lifetime.
If you want to take more pleasure in the moments of having worn academic regalia, make sure that you have chosen the right one for you. You research on the Tips When Looking for Academic Hoods or better yet, you can visit a reputable online store to give a look on the different academic regalia accessories. GradShop academic hoods, caps and gowns are the best in the business. So do not miss the opportunity of not only feeling good, but also looking good in your most awaited event.