What can be more interesting than to know the origin of the graduation gown which, the students eagerly wait to have its possession as a symbol and success of their process of learning.
Like always, there are two ways on the historic aspect of the graduation gown and its origin. A British fame Henry. A Kelly in one of the media’s told fifteen years ago that, “The graduation gown is the basis about leaving college”. If we look at the amazing practice, the students from Oxford are mandated to put on their gown also known as sub fusc during exams, matriculation/graduation ceremony, official meetings and also sometimes for dinner.
Some of the sources state that during 13th Century, the order was given by Stephen Langton who was the Archbishop of Canterbury gives to all the popes of churches and students to put on the gown and cap and so they look unique from others. Until then the gown were used as a source of protection against cold too says some.
Where as the 9th century history credits the gown to the still continued tradition of thobes/robes worn by the people in Islamic world, it is said that the Europe’s best and brightest would go home with these gowns and head gears after attainting the education from Islamic universities. It was a symbol of attaining the highest knowledge. The graduation cap which is not allowed until graduated is said to be identified with the tradition of putting a mortar board by Muslim world when some one completed the study of Quran. The Tassels (threads) adjoining the cap is said to be the indication of book mark too.
In European world today, there are other amazing parts about the gowns worn including their colour, sign put on the gown, the pattern in the way gown is made with shawl, including the length of the gown. If it is an younger graduate degree then there will be no hood/small hood will be given whereas Master and PhD graduates will be given with long hoods. Where as, the colour of the hood represent the institute which honoured the degree and the pattern in the gown speaks about the subject in which the graduation is done, it is rare to see all these aspects minutely followed as per Indian graduation ceremonies. The final call on how the gown should be is the complete autonomy of institutes with no hard or fast rules followed.