Many of you are very familiar about academic robes. Academic robes are use during a very special event is a student’s life, which is his graduation. Academic robes are worn to identify the specific degree that students have studied for a long time. Did you know that robes are not really meant for graduates? Traditionally, these academic robes are remnants of the robes that early monks and clergyman wore in monasteries.

Colleges and universities adopt this kind of dress of the early monks and clergymen because this was the time where research and many studies were established. Before, there were no educational institution that focuses in this kind of activity and the monks and clergymen is the one who is responsible in discovering new things.

This time is the foundation of academics, that’s why the academic robes were adopted but in a more modified version. Before these academic robes were use as the main attraction for many graduation ceremonies, it was the daily academic suit of early academics studying at different universities.

Some ancient universities even at this time still wear academic robes for their daily studies. Other universities only wear academic robes at the start and at the end of the term. Today, the most common usage of graduation gowns or academic robes is for graduation ceremonies of educational institutions, colleges and different universities.

In fact, during 60’s the use of academic robes in graduation ceremonies was in the resurgence and was viewed by many activists as too stuffy and establishes to wear. Several students have joined this kind of activity against wearing of academic robes during graduation ceremonies.

Different kinds of academic robes are wearing in different types of academic rankings such as undergraduates, masters, bachelors, and doctorates. During ancient universities, it is common for undergraduate to differ according to on their status in the university or in the society. For noblemen at that time, their academic robes are made up of elaborate and colorful robes with gold lining and plain black academic robes for commoners and scholars.

The moving of tassel from left to right is a tradition that was originated not in early times but during modern times. It was very difficult to do outside especially during windy season. Some universities practices bestowing of tassel in each graduate, but now it is more practical to do it simultaneously. Especially when there are very large graduating classes, it is a must for everyone to move their tassel individually. Graduation tassel must complement the color of the robes.

Now that you know how graduation robes started, maybe it will be given much respect and importance than before by many students in these modern times. Many students are neglecting the tradition and importance of their robes as the main part of their graduation ceremony. Now is the right time for every student and academic institutions to put emphasis in the importance of robes, as this is the main foundation of knowledge. A robe symbolizes learning and continues seeking for knowledge over years.