Ralph Vargas

The Graduation Ceremony around the world



Posted: Friday, April 01, 2011

by Ralph Vargas
Smooth Sportswear

An examination of the graduation ceremony from around the world. Their traditions, importance, and some history.

The graduation ceremony is certainly an important event which Americans take incredibly seriously. Needless to say, everything in The united states which indicates triumph and also recognizes our endeavors is regarded as essential. The wild popularity of sports championships as well as tournaments both on the expert and also amateur level can lend credance to that. Nevertheless as opposed to our sports, Americans are mostly unaware of the history and significant traditions of the graduation ceremony as a school event. Having a history degree, I believed that one of my earliest articles or blog posts really should target the background of such a unique day in the education community as well as its incarnations all over the world.

I can recall my very first and only inquiry in regards to graduation and it was most certainly a vital and appropriate one. It concerned a custom that was surrounded in mystery and myth. I remember asking one of my history teachers with as serious a face as I could conjure: Why do graduates toss their caps in to the air at the finale? After a chuckle and a laugh from the class he stated the source of this iconic custom. Apparently in the early 20th century, graduates of the Navy school of officers wore midshipmen caps during their training, that symbolized their lower ranks. Following graduation, they'd be given Officers caps thus they threw their obsolete caps in the air as a symbol of their transition. I'd been amused by this modest beggining and also the rest of my class's curiosity had been now aroused. Some other classmate then inquired: "why are diplomas known as sheepskins?" Sensing that he'd stirred up a hornets nest, my professor sat back down into his chair and then prepared himself for a torrent of questions. With a big grin he explained that in olden times, paper had been very delicate, thus diplomas (which needed to survive as a way to back up their owner's claim of graduation) were published on sheepskin parchments. A final question popped up because the teacher stated: "okay one more", signaling that enough class time had been wasted on that matter already. Another person consequently inquired: "What about the cap and gown?" The professor explained that graduation gowns were initially robes, complete with a hood as the "ritual" was in fact surrounded with non secular undertones and filled with prayers. "To this day", the teacher stated,"graduates at Cambridge University may recite (or may omit) at the conclusion of their acceptance term in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit." The class moved on to our sadness but I had realized very much and my interest couldn't be sated.

I afterwards referred to my trusty sidekick, and the scourge of college educators in all places: wikipedia. While there, I all of a sudden grew to become drawn a lot more to the graduation customs worldwide instead of its history. Japanese graduation ceremonies are very prepared as well as ordered. There is certainly also a great feeling of recognition and satisfaction as the flags of Japan, the particular city the ceremony is taking place in, along with the school itself are shown. Graduates and then teachers enter slowly making precise turns when and if necessary. Bowing to distinctive guests and government officials is required and then graduates are called on the stage alphabetically, rising and then stating "yes" as their name is called before they ascend to the stage. In Mexico, junior and high school graduation is not offered as much relevance as university graduation, which is carried out much in the same way as the US. In the UK, middle school graduation or primary school graduations do not usually take place. Instead, graduates basically "leave". On the higher education level, though, graduation ceremonies sound virtually druid-like with graduates as well as the professors stating Latin phrases, kneeling, and taking part in traditions that are strictly structured.

Having completed my own exploration, I all of a sudden grew to become very proud concerning my own up coming university graduation. I recognized that I was soon to take part in an occasion that reflected centuries of custom in addition to educational success. I couldn't wait to stand nervously waiting for my "sheepskin" and I realized I might smile as I recalled its beggining. I'd also smile knowing that just us history geeks (there had been basically about ten of us in my graduating class) would know the roots of the traditions, which we proceeded through. Regrettably a brief stint of stinginess pervaded my head. Though I could not wait to take part in the custom and don my cap and gown that cap cost too much to toss in the air!

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References:

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