The History and Symbolism of the Graduation Cap

The mortarboard-flat, square, and instantly recognizable-has become one of the most iconic symbols of graduation. Yet behind this simple cap lies a long, winding history shaped by medieval scholars, evolving academic traditions, and cultural symbolism that continues to resonate today. Understanding why graduates wear mortarboards means looking back to a time when education was both a privilege and a deeply ceremonial pursuit.

The origins of the mortarboard can be traced to the Middle Ages, when universities in Europe were beginning to take shape. Scholars, clerics, and teachers were often members of religious institutions, so their clothing echoed the garments worn by clergy. Early academic headwear resembled the biretta, a square cap worn by Catholic priests. The shape represented learning, piety, and a commitment to scholarly discipline. Over time, this practical clerical headgear evolved, gradually flattening out into what we now call the mortarboard.

The term “mortarboard” itself is a reference to the tool used by masons-a flat board with a handle used to hold mortar. Though the connection is purely visual, the comparison added another layer of symbolism. Just as masons build walls and structures, graduates build futures, careers, and ideas. The cap became a metaphor for craftsmanship, knowledge, and construction of the self.

Academic fashion didn’t transform overnight. In the centuries that followed, universities across Europe experimented with different styles of academic dress. Caps were reshaped, tassels were added, and colours began to signify rank or discipline. By the 19th century, the mortarboard as we know it was widely adopted in the United States and United Kingdom. It became part of a standard “uniform” for academic ceremonies, ensuring both unity and formality.

But the mortarboard is more than an accessory. It’s a visual statement. The square shape has been interpreted in countless ways: a symbol of the shape of books, a representation of the earth’s flat plane in philosophical traditions, or even a nod to the disciplined structure of academic life. The tassel, a later addition, adds a touch of ceremony and movement. The moment a graduate shifts the tassel from one side to the other is now one of the most universally recognised rites of passage, marking the transition from student to graduate with one simple gesture.

Modern graduates often decorate their mortarboards, turning tradition into a canvas for creativity. Messages of gratitude, humour, ambition, and personal identity transform a centuries-old academic emblem into something deeply individual. This evolution reflects a broader shift: education today is not only about conformity or hierarchy; it’s about celebrating personal journeys and diverse stories.

Despite these modern touches, the root meaning remains unchanged. The mortarboard connects graduates to a lineage of scholars spanning hundreds of years. It’s a reminder that finishing a degree is not just a personal achievement but part of a much larger, historic pursuit of knowledge. Whether worn with solemn pride or playful flair, the mortarboard continues to symbolise dedication, discipline, and the timeless tradition of learning.