What Is The String On A Graduation Hat Called In 2026
The string on a graduation hat is called a tassel. As commencement season approaches in 2026, understanding the correct terminology, history, and proper etiquette surrounding this iconic piece of academic regalia remains essential for graduates, families, and academic institutions worldwide.
The Anatomy and Nomenclature of Academic Regalia
While casual observers often refer to it simply as "the string" or "the fringe," the proper historical and institutional term is the tassel. The graduation hat itself is officially known as a mortarboard, named for its flat, square shape that resembles the wooden tool used by masons to hold mortar.
Attached to the center button of the mortarboard, the tassel consists of a dense cluster of threads hanging from a cord loop. In modern academic ceremonies, this simple accessory carries immense symbolic weight, signifying the transition from candidate to graduate.
Key Components of the Traditional Mortarboard Assembly
- The Crown: The rigid, skull-fitting cap portion of the mortarboard.
- The Skull Cap: The internal lining or structured base that rests directly on the head.
- The Mortarboard (Board): The flat, stiff square top made of cardboard or plastic covered in fabric.
- The Center Button: The small, fabric-covered button situated precisely in the middle of the mortarboard top.
- The Cord and Ring: The hanging loop that secures the tassel to the center button.
- The Tassel Fringe: The bundle of dangling, silky threads that flows outward from the crown.
The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Academic Dress in 2026
Academic regalia dates back to the 12th century in European universities, primarily Oxford and Cambridge, where long robes and hoods were necessary to keep scholars warm in unheated stone buildings. The mortarboard and tassel evolved later, drawing influence from the biretta worn by Roman Catholic clergy and scholars.
In 2026, academic institutions maintain strict dress codes aligned with the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume. This standardized framework dictates the colors, shapes, and materials used for robes, hoods, and tassels. While bachelor's and master's candidates typically wear simple fabric tassels, doctoral candidates often wear metallic gold lurex tassels, reflecting their advanced level of scholarship.
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Tassel Etiquette: Which Side Does It Go On?
One of the most common questions regarding graduation attire involves tassel placement. The rule varies depending on the educational tier and the specific traditions of the institution hosting the ceremony.
Standard Placement Guidelines for Commencement Ceremonies
- High School Graduates: Traditionally start the ceremony with the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard. After the official conferral of diplomas, graduates flip the tassel to the left side en masse.
- Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree Recipients: Generally follow the same protocol as high school students, moving the tassel from the right to the left to symbolize graduation.
- Master's and Doctoral Recipients: Usually wear their tassels on the left side for the entire duration of the ceremony, as they have already earned a prior degree and hold established academic standing.
Color Psychology and Field of Study Identification
Beyond its placement, the color of the tassel often identifies the wearer's specific discipline or major. Unlike caps and gowns, which are predominantly black, navy, or school colors, tassels provide an immediate visual indicator of academic focus.
The Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume regulates these colors across North American institutions. Below is a detailed breakdown of standard academic disciplines and their corresponding tassel colors.
| Academic Discipline / Field of Study | Standard Tassel Color | Primary Symbolic Association |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Letters, and Humanities | White | Purity, classical learning, and expression |
| Business, Commerce, and Accountancy | Drab (Tan/Brown) | Wealth, earth, and industrial commerce |
| Education and Teaching | Light Blue | Sky, clarity, and foundational learning |
| Engineering | Orange | Iron, industry, and technical precision |
| Fine Arts | Brown | Architecture, design, and creative arts |
| Law | Purple | Royal status, justice, and jurisprudence |
| Medicine, Nursing, and Healthcare | Green | Healing, botany, and the medical arts |
| Music | Pink | Creativity, performance, and harmony |
| Philosophy and Research | Dark Blue | Mastery, depth of thought, and advanced inquiry |
| Science (BS) / Public Health / Public Administration | Golden Yellow | Science, inquiry, and the illumination of truth |
| Theology and Divinity | Scarlet | Faith, passion, and spiritual devotion |
Practical Challenges and Troubleshooting on Graduation Day
Managing a mortarboard and tassel during a high-stakes ceremony requires minor preparation. High winds, awkward photo angles, and loose center buttons frequently cause wardrobe malfunctions.
Pro-Tip for Securing Your Tassel: To prevent the tassel from blowing over your face during outdoor ceremonies in windy spring weather, use a discreet bobby pin matching your hair color to secure the hanging threads to the side of the mortarboard crown. Ensure the pin can be easily removed if you need to flip the tassel during the ceremony.
Common Graduation Hat Issues and How to Solve Them
- The Tassel Keeps Sliding Backward: If the cord loop is too large, tie a small, hidden knot in the loop before placing it over the center button to shorten the anchoring span.
- The Mortarboard Slips Off: Use bobby pins inserted in an "X" shape through the inner skull cap directly into your hair to anchor the cap securely.
- Frizz and Static Electricity: Apply a tiny amount of anti-frizz serum or hairspray to the tassel threads the night before to keep the strands neat and straight for professional photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the string on a graduation hat called?
The string on a graduation hat is called a tassel. It consists of a cord loop and a bundle of hanging threads attached to the center button of the mortarboard.
Why do graduates move the tassel from right to left?
Moving the tassel from the right side to the left symbolizes the official transition from a student candidate to a recognized graduate holding a degree.
Do master's and doctoral students move their tassels?
No, advanced degree candidates typically wear their tassels on the left side throughout the entire ceremony because they have already completed an undergraduate program.
What do different tassel colors mean?
Tassel colors represent the graduate's specific field of study, such as golden yellow for science, drab for business, and white for the humanities.
Can you keep your graduation tassel?
Yes, graduates always keep their tassels as cherished mementors. Many graduates later hang them from their rearview mirrors, frame them alongside their diplomas, or use them as holiday ornaments.
Conclusion
The string on a graduation hat—the tassel—is far more than a simple decorative accessory. It serves as a historic symbol of achievement, academic discipline, and institutional tradition. By understanding its nomenclature, color coding, and proper ceremony etiquette, graduates can fully appreciate the rich heritage behind their commencement day experience.
