Ever wondered about the importance of college graduation gowns? The ceremony of graduation should certainly be a wondrous occasion. Why do we not don formal wear instead of the somber graduation gowns that almost resemble shrouds?

The answer is easy. Graduation college gowns, just like those used for high school and grammar school graduations in the United States, have a very long history which dates back to medieval times. The reason why we always conform to formal academic attire required in the course of graduation ceremonies is mainly on account of tradition. The graduation attire worn in the states for commencement exercises is based upon conventional English academic regalia which is patterned after the Anglican and Catholic churches.

College degrees were once reserved for only the well to do. A college graduation ceremony was a truly sober event. In England, where the Anglican Church plays such a vital function in education, a college graduation ceremony was in fact a religious as well being an academic ceremony. The graduates dressed in a fashion comparable to an Anglican priest to obtain their high honors.

Although in the United States the roles of church and education are kept separately, we get many of our customs from our English ancestors and forefathers. College graduation gown in the states are therefore the result of English tradition that has continued through the years.

Nowadays, a college graduation gown will vary with regard to the type of degree the graduate has attained upon graduation. An individual who earns a Bachelor degree, for instance, will have sleeves which are bell shaped on their gown. A Master of Education degree graduate gets a gown with gathered sleeves. Someone who earns a PhD will dress in a special graduation stole or hood to signify their advanced degree.

Graduation college gowns are very different from high school graduation gowns mainly because there are actually different types of degrees to be earned. There is an Associate of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Education degree, a Master of Business Administration Degree and a Doctorate degree. In addition, a person studying law or medicine will earn other degrees and titles, such as a Juris Doctorate or Doctor of Medicine.

Because you will discover so many different types of degrees one may earn in college, the college graduation gowns are centered not just upon educational status, but degrees earned. Years back, when all graduation college gowns were black, this was signified in length of gowns, sleeve types, stoles and hoods.

These days, most graduation college gowns are based upon the colors of the university or college. Hoods and stoles are given to noted graduates with regard to their academic performance. A number of hoods are lined with fur and tend to be fairly
elaborate.

College graduation gowns have a long history that goes back to early England and is closely tied with both the Catholic and Anglican Churches. Now, we wear graduation college gowns in keeping with practices which are hundreds of years old.