mortarboards

A mortarboard is a square, flat academic cap worn as part of traditional graduation regalia. It consists of a stiff, flat board attached to a fitted skullcap, with a tassel mounted at the center of the board. The cap is usually made from fabric such as polyester or wool, and the top square is typically about 9 to 10 centimeters on each side. The color of the tassel and any trim can indicate the wearer’s degree level, field of study, or institution.

During commencement ceremonies, graduates often move the tassel from the right side to the left after their degree is conferred, symbolizing the transition from candidate to graduate. In many regalia sets, the mortarboard is worn with a gown and, where applicable, a hood that communicates additional information about the wearer’s academic credentials.

Origin and variations: The mortarboard evolved from earlier forms of academic headgear used in medieval European universities, such as the biretta or Tudor bonnet. The name “mortarboard” may reflect its resemblance to a mason’s tool, though the precise historical development is not definitively documented. Today, the mortarboard is a widely recognized component of graduation attire in many countries, and some institutions offer variants with different materials, colors, or velvet trim, particularly for doctoral honors.

Significance and usage: Beyond function, the mortarboard serves as a symbolic marker of scholarly achievement and institutional affiliation, contributing to the ceremonial formality of graduation events.