Graduation Traditions
Not just at Kean University
Kim Sherwood
ith graduation coming soon, many seniors prepare themselves for the ceremony. But where do these traditions come from?
The Ceremony
Legend has it that the first undergraduate graduation ceremony took place in 1432 at Oxford University in England. At this ceremony, it was required that each candidate deliver a sermon in Latin as a capstone to his education. In modern times, remarks are usually given by the dean or president of the school and a well-respected, invited guest. This day is a rite of passage for any graduate, marked by the moving of the tassel from the right to the left side of the cap.
At Kean University, there is a special tradition of the mace and the Kean Medallion. The mace, which is similar to a walking stick, is carried by Kean’s most senior faculty member to lead the procession. The Kean Medallion is donned by the university president on momentous occasions, such as inaugurations and the soon coming, graduation.
The Cap and Gown
Also known as academic regalia, this tradition began in the medieval times in Europe. Originally derived from priesthood robes, graduates were soon given the same type of outfit to commemorate the day. This tradition was brought to the United States in the early days of its formation from Great Britain.
Caps and gowns are the same for all Kean graduates, with the hoods differing. The hood, worn around the neck, hanging down the back, shows the color of the major from which you are graduating. The hood is said to go back to the Celts and their Druids (priests). It was worn to establish superior knowledge. In the Middle Ages, the hood was worn as a head covering to protect the graduate from the cold. Today, the hood is used to identify a graduate’s academic institution and degree.
The Class Ring
The idea of the class ring dates back to the Egyptians, who felt their scarab ring promised them eternal life. In Roman times, soldiers wore rings in hopes that it would bring them victory. In the United States, the class ring was developed in 1835 for West Point Academy. Today, class rings are seen as a combination of school pride and an outward symbol of the diploma.
Kean University now has an official ring that was designed by the class of 2005. It represents the university’s past by having the old Kean Hall building engraved into the center and it also incorporates the new by having the Kean cougar on it.
Pomp and Circumstance
The song was composed by Sir Edward Elgar and performed for the first time in Liverpool, England, on October 19, 1901. Because so much American culture stems from Britain, it is assumed that this is the reason this song became the standard march for graduation ceremonies.
Even though not every commencement uses Elgar’s Pomp Circumstance March Kean University proudly plays it as its graduates march to their seats on graduation day.
The Diploma
It is true – diplomas were originally handed out rolled up with a ribbon attached. Diplomas were originally made from sheepskin. Until approximately a hundred years ago, diplomas were paper-thin sheepskin, hand-written, rolled and tied with a ribbon. Producing paper was a difficult task, which is why animal skins were used. Eventually, this was changed and diplomas were made out of parchment. In the early 1900s, diplomas stopped being rolled and were given out in leather binders.
