Where Did the Tradition of Tossing Graduation Caps at Graduation Start?

There are always rumors about what started the tradition of tossing your graduation cap in the air as graduation season approaches. Many think it is just a form a rebellion. They are incorrect though. The tradition of tossing graduation caps during graduation ceremonies is not quite as old as graduation ceremonies and the tradition of the cap and gown. That tradition according to the website myexpression.com started back in the medieval times in Europe. The tradition of tossing your graduation cap at a graduation ceremony did not begin until the English settlers came to discover the United States. It was a tradition that began in Colonial times, and that tradition of tossing caps in the air at graduation ceremonies has continues since then.

The tradition of tossing graduation caps in the air at graduations is one that has had quite a bit of opposition over the years. I know from personal experience that many schools frown on the tradition of tossing your graduation cap in the air at graduation ceremonies. At my high school in the early 1990's we were actually told anyone that tossed their graduation cap in the air would not receive their diploma. Of course looking back on that statement a school could not withhold your diploma. Yet, of course that doesn't mean schools today won't issue the same types of warnings. This is especially effective with high school graduations as getting that diploma is something students will do whatever it takes to receive. College graduation ceremonies continue the tradition of tossing your cap in the air at graduation as well. My university actually suggested giving all the graduates bubbles to blow instead, this was quickly rejected by the students.

So, as you attend graduation ceremonies at the end of this school year, don't be afraid of the warnings of how dangerous tossing your graduation cap in the air con be. It is a warning that has been given out for almost as long as the tradition of tossing your graduation cap in the air at graduation ceremonies. That graduation tossing tradition goes back to the times of the settlers of this country. One safety tip though, after tossing your cap in the air at graduation, it's best not to look up, it reduces the chance of getting your eye poked out if you are overly concerned about those warnings.

SOURCES:

Myexpression.com. "The Traditions of Graduation Party".
URL:http://www.myexpression.com/ArticlesGraduation/TheTraditionsOfGraduationParty.cfm