mortarboard

A mortarboard is a square, flat academic cap worn as part of traditional graduation attire. It is typically paired with a gown and, when used, a hood. The cap sits on a fitted skullcap, and a tassel is attached to a small button at the center of the top. While black is common, mortarboards may be produced in colors that reflect an institution’s branding or local tradition.

Construction and appearance: The board is usually made with a stiff core, covered in fabric such as felt or polyester. The tassel, often made of silk or rayon, hangs from the central button and can be moved during the ceremony. The cap’s overall look is simple and formal, designed to be worn with the gown and hood.

Ceremonial use: In many graduation traditions, graduates begin with the tassel on the right side and move it to the left once a degree is conferred. Tassel color can vary by institution and may signify field of study or degree level in some systems, though practices differ widely.

Origin and terminology: The term mortarboard derives from its resemblance to a mason’s tool used for grinding and mixing mortar. The square cap has historical roots in medieval academic dress, evolving from earlier forms such as the biretta. The mortarboard became a standard element of regalia in many universities during the 18th to 19th centuries and remains a recognizable symbol of academic achievement.

Regional use: The mortarboard is common in the United States and many Commonwealth countries. In some European universities, different ceremonial headwear or traditions may be used, and mortarboards are not universal.