Graduation Tassels and Cords

The tassel that hangs from the top of a flat graduation cap has a history dating back to the late 19th century when a code was adopted by all learning institutions in the United States regarding academic dress and regalia. The tassel that adorns the top of a graduation cap is modeled after cords that adorned academic attire dating as far back as medieval times.

Cords were always a part of academic dress, from as far back as the 14th century. Different types of cords designated different tiers of learning. In Europe, it was common for students of universities and higher education institutions to wear academic attire all of the time, not just for ceremony. There are still universities in England in which academic attire is worn by the students.

Tassels, or cords, would signify not only the tier of learning of an individual, but also any honors that they may have bestowed upon them. This still rings true today as many universities, high schools and even grammar schools use a color on a tassel to signify honors or other distinctions.


In the United States, the square cap with the tassel has been used in graduation ceremonies since the late 19th century. This academic attire is used from university to grammar school level. At the grammar or high school level, the tassel is usually colored with the school colors. A charm usually hangs from the tassel that indicates the year of graduation. Although graduates often rent the cap and gown needed for the graduation ceremony, they get to keep the tassel, a symbol of their graduation.

For those graduating college, tassels are often adorned with different colors signifying the area of study. A fine art major may have a brown tassel whereas an education major may have a light blue tassel. Different colored tassels can also signify academic achievements. Each school system has different rules when it comes to the tassel and graduation attire, although the American Council on Education governs the basics.

The flat cap with the tassel worn in the United States and Australia as part of a graduation ceremony is modeled after motarboard caps worn by British schoolteachers up until the 1950s. The flat cap with a tassel is now only used as part of the graduation ceremony.

During most graduation ceremonies, the tassel hangs to one side prior to the commencement and, upon receiving their diploma; the graduate flips it to the other side. This is more of a modern tradition, however, and has no historical significance. Another modern tradition, especially with American high school graduations, is to hang the tassel on the rearview mirror of the car of the graduate, signifying to the world that he or she made it through high school, and are now considered an adult.

Graduation tassels and cords have a long-standing history in education with regard to academic dress and status. The graduation tassel that hangs from the rearview mirror of a car has a history dating back to medieval times.