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Mortarboard, which is popularly known square academic cap or Oxford cap is symbolic of academic achievement. Mortarboard refers to horizontal square board cap fitted on a skull cap and a tassel at the center. In United Kingdom and also in USA the cap is usually worn with a special academic gown and has been designated as an official uniform for a university graduate. In Australia and United Kingdom mortarboard is also known as the trencher or square.
History of Mortarboard:
The present form of mortarboard has originated from biretta, a hat which was used by the Roman Catholics. However there are controversy regarding the fact. But most people are of the opinion that both the hats owe their origin to the pileus quadratus, the Roman skull cap which has been super imposed on square base.
Some hold the opinion that the origin of mortarboard can be traced back to the rituals and practices by Islamic madrassas. Initially such hats were meant only for those who have earned their post graduate degrees. But in the later stage the holders of bachelor's degree and also the undergraduates wore such hats. Corner cap was the popular term for such hats that was in vogue in 16th and 17th century.
Types of mortarboard:
Mortarboard is worn by doctorates of many reputed universities. However the design of the hat differs according to country and universities. In USA the 4, 6 and 8 cornered hat known as tam is highly popular. Women usually wear soft tam instead of the hard ones. Graduates of high school in USA also wear the mortarboard at the time of announcement of their graduation. In UK Tudor bonnet is more popular.
The position and design of the tassel also matters to a great extent. In United States, during the graduation ceremonies the tassel of all the hats hang from one particular side. However the position may vary according to the level of degree. The color of the tassel plays a vital role in this regard. For example in the high schools, the color of the tassel is usually that of the primary color used by the school.
For the graduation, post graduates and doctorates the color and design of the tassel on the mortarboard varies according to their course. The tassels are sometimes embellished with the digits of that year. For students of arts, humanities and letters the color of the tassel is white while for those in agriculture it is brown. The color of the tassel for the students of agriculture resembles that of maize whereas for law it is purple. The color of the tassel on the mortarboard is of prime significance.
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