Graduatiestrepen

Graduatiestrepen, often translated as graduation stripes or academic stripes, are a decorative element used in academic regalia. These stripes are typically found on the sleeves of gowns and sometimes on the caps or hoods of graduating students. Their primary purpose is to signify the wearer's academic achievement and the degree they have earned.

The number, width, and arrangement of the graduatiestrepen are usually determined by the specific academic institution and the level of the degree. For instance, a bachelor's degree might have fewer or narrower stripes compared to a master's or doctoral degree. The colors of the stripes can also hold significance, often representing the specific field of study or the colors of the university itself. For example, crimson might indicate law, while gold might represent education.

While the tradition of academic regalia dates back to the medieval university system, the widespread use of specific stripe patterns for different degrees became more formalized over time. In some systems, the stripes are indicative of honors earned, with more stripes or specific patterns denoting higher academic distinction. The precise interpretation and design of graduatiestrepen can vary significantly between countries and even between different universities within the same country, making them a unique visual language of academic accomplishment.