“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B.King (American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist)
UNESCO has reported over 235 million tertiary students worldwide. While the goal of a degree is universal, graduation traditions vary widely by culture. The world has evolved and moved beyond the standard cap and gown.
The transition from being a student to becoming a professional is marked by diverse customs all around the world, including rhythmic celebrations, spiritual blessings, etc. This proves that the journey to the finish line is as unique as the map itself.
We’ll take you on a journey through the most fascinating graduation customs that prove finishing school is about much more than just a piece of paper.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand merges academic success with spiritual merit-making.
- The USA has popularized the tradition of tossing caps.
- In South Africa, high-energy communal singing and traditional dance are part of the celebrations.
- Japan focuses on gratitude and the symbolism of spring.
- Germany links the academic achievements to civic responsibility.
Thailand: Buddhist Blessings Precede Departure
In Thailand, graduation is about spiritual Buddhist values. Students practice merit making, offering gifts to monks for future prosperity, which is a reflective tradition that contrasts with the animated celebrations of the West.
The ceremony itself is quite prestigious, which often involves members of the Thai Royal Family. It is a moment of immense pride where the focus remains on the ‘middle path’ of wisdom and service.
As students bow to get their degrees, they don’t only carry their degrees; they carry the aspirations of their ancestors’ hopes and the serenity of their faith.
America: Tassels, Caps, and Gowns
The iconic cap toss began at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation in 1912. The tradition was to replace midshipmen caps with officer hats, where graduates threw the old ones as a symbol of freedom and getting rid of burdens.
Underneath the sea of floating hats, you’ll find families whispering heartfelt graduation wishes to their sons and daughters. The turning of the tassel from right to left is the final, official ‘click’ that turns a candidate into an alumnus.
Did You Know?
The square shape of the graduation cap is said to be inspired by the shape of a builder’s tool for holding mortar. It symbolizes that the graduate is now the builder of society.
South Africa: A Journey Celebrated with Song and Dance
While Americans toss the caps towards the sky, some nations move their feet on the ground. Yes, we are talking about South Africa! If you ever see a South African graduation, you’ll find it the most rhythmic ceremony on the planet.
Forget the ‘hush-hush’ atmosphere, here the auditorium vibrates with the sounds of traditional Zulu or Xhosa songs.
Students often break into spontaneous dance as they approach the stage, turning a formal walk into a performance of pure joy. It is a communal victory, acknowledging that it takes a village to raise a graduate!
Japan: A Ceremony of Tradition and Reflection
In Japan, graduation is a solemn and beautiful affair. Students often sing a specific class hymn, “Aogeba Totoshi.” It is a song that dates back to the 1880s and expresses deep gratitude toward teachers.
It is a tearful goodbye, as the Japanese school year ends in March, which also coincides with the blooming of cherry blossoms, which symbolize the fleeting nature of life and new beginnings.
Germany: City Hall Celebrations and Stern Traditions
In Germany, academic rigor is taken seriously. In cities such as Ulm or Aachen, graduation ceremonies are often held in the historic Coronation Hall or the City Hall. It signifies that the graduate’s achievement is not just a personal achievement, but a civic duty and a contribution to society.
It is a formal affair that honors the high standards of German education, which is often followed by an unofficial ‘Abendstreich,’ which is a day where students play harmless pranks on their teachers.
Fun Fact: In Argentina, there is a tradition where friends and families pet the graduate with eggs, flour, and other food items to mess them up before they begin their new professional life.
Conclusion
Graduation is more than just the end of a syllabus; it is a global language of perseverance. The unique items, like the Japanese Hakama or Swedish graduation hats in the picture, make the graduation ceremony even more special across the globe.
So, as you prepare for your own milestone, make sure that you remember that you are not just getting a degree, you are actually joining a global legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Why are gowns worn at graduation?
Ans: Since the 12th century, when universities were unheated, gowns were worn to stay warm during lectures.
Ques: Is tossing the cap dangerous?
Ans: Generally, no; however, some universities have banned it because of the sharp corners of the hats that may cause minor injuries.
Ques: Do all the countries follow the same graduation ceremony tradition?
Ans: No, all the countries have their own unique tradition that they have been following for years.
