Are you wondering which side your graduation tassel should hang on before the big moment? You’re not alone, thousands of graduates across NYC and beyond ask this same question every year. The graduation tassel side is more than just a small detail, it’s a meaningful tradition that marks one of life’s most significant transitions. Whether you’re preparing for high school, college, or graduate school commencement, knowing the proper tassel placement ensures you’ll look polished in photos and participate correctly in the cherished tassel-flipping ceremony.
The confusion is completely understandable. With so much focus on caps, gowns, cords, and ceremony logistics, the simple question of “left or right?” can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Furthermore, varying traditions across different academic levels make it easy to see why graduates second-guess themselves right up until ceremony day.
But here’s the good news: the rules are actually straightforward once you understand them. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover exactly what side does a tassel go on before you graduate, learn the graduation tassel flip meaning timing and proper technique, and master every aspect of tassel etiquette.
Which Side Should the Tassel Be On Before Graduation?
The tassel always starts on the RIGHT side of your mortarboard cap before you graduate. This rule applies universally across high schools, colleges, and universities throughout NYC and nationwide. Therefore, when you put on your graduation cap for the ceremony, make sure the tassel hangs from the right side of the cap, positioned in front of your face.
Before Graduation: Your tassel belongs on the RIGHT side of your cap. This positioning symbolizes that you’re still a candidate for graduation someone who hasn’t yet received their diploma or degree.
After Graduation: Once the presiding official declares you graduated, you flip the tassel to the LEFT side. This movement represents your transformation from student to graduate, marking the completion of your academic journey.
Remembering right before, left after makes the entire process effortless. Many NYC graduates use this simple phrase as their go-to reminder during ceremony preparations.
Graduation Tassel Flip: Meaning, Timing, and Proper Technique
The Meaning Behind the Tassel Flip
The graduation tassel flip carries profound symbolic meaning. This cherished tradition represents your transition from candidate to graduate, from student to alumni. Moreover, it signifies moving from the past into your future. When graduates across NYC flip their tassels simultaneously, they create a powerful collective moment that celebrates years of hard work and dedication.
The graduation tassel side tradition dates back centuries to academic customs in medieval universities. Initially, scholars wore tassels as part of their academic regalia to denote their scholarly status. Eventually, the practice evolved into today’s meaningful ceremony.
Perfect Timing for the Tassel Flip
Timing matters significantly when flipping your graduation tassel. Never flip your tassel early, as this disrupts the ceremony’s flow. Instead, wait for these specific cues:
High School Graduations: The principal announces, “Please move your tassels from right to left.” Subsequently, all graduates flip together.
College and University Ceremonies: The university president declares, “I confer upon you the degree of…” Immediately following this pronouncement, you flip your tassel.
Individual Diploma Presentations: Some smaller ceremonies in NYC allow students to flip their tassels individually upon receiving their diplomas.
Proper Technique for Flipping Your Tassel
First, grasp your tassel firmly near the top. Next, use a smooth, confident motion to swing it from the right side to the left side of your cap. Additionally, avoid yanking or pulling too hard, as this can dislodge your cap entirely. Many NYC graduates practice this motion beforehand to ensure they execute it perfectly during the actual ceremony.
Common Graduation Tassel Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1:Begin by placing the tassel on the left side. Remember, it always begins on the right before you graduate.
Mistake #2: Flipping the tassel before the official announcement. Practice patience and wait for the cue.
Mistake #3:Positioning the tassel behind the head instead of in front. Consequently, photos look awkward and the tradition loses its visibility.
Mistake #4: Attaching the tassel too loosely, causing it to fall off during the ceremony. Secure it firmly to prevent mishaps.
Special Rules for Different Academic Levels
High school graduates across NYC follow the standard right-to-left tassel rule. Additionally, some high schools use class year colors or school colors for their tassels, adding personalization to the tradition.
Bachelor’s degree recipients also follow the traditional graduation tassel side placement. However, some universities incorporate unique variations. For instance, certain NYC colleges allow honors graduates to wear gold tassels instead of the standard school colors.
Master’s and doctoral degree recipients typically follow the same tassel protocol. Even so, understanding proper tassel placement remains important for complete academic regalia etiquette.
FAQs
Does it matter which side the graduation tassel is on?
Yes, it absolutely matters because the graduation tassel side carries significant symbolic meaning starting on the right indicates you’re a candidate for graduation, while the left side signifies you’ve completed your degree and ensures you look professional in ceremony photos.
On which side should high school graduates wear their tassel?
No, you should never flip your tassel before the official announcement, wait patiently until the ceremony director, principal, or university president declares the class graduated, as flipping early disrupts the symbolic collective moment.
What does flipping the tassel symbolize?
Flipping the tassel symbolizes your transformation from student to graduate, with the movement from right to left representing your transition from candidate status to achieving your degree and connecting you to centuries of academic tradition across NYC and worldwide.
Do graduate students flip their tassels?
Yes, master’s and doctoral degree recipients also flip their tassels during graduation ceremonies, following the same right-to-left movement as undergraduates despite wearing additional academic regalia like hoods and different cap styles.
Which side should high school graduates wear their tassel on?
High school graduates place their tassels on the right side before the ceremony begins, then flip them to the left side simultaneously after the principal officially declares the class graduated, creating a powerful collective moment.
Quick Tips for Graduation Day Success
Practice beforehand: Try on your full regalia at least once before ceremony day. This practice run helps you identify any fit issues and become comfortable with the tassel placement.
Arrive early:Give yourself extra time to adjust your cap and tassel properly. Rushing leads to mistakes and unnecessary stress.
Listen carefully:Pay close attention to ceremony instructions. Officials clearly announce when to flip your tassel, so stay focused during these key moments.
Secure everything: Double check that your tassel attaches securely before the ceremony begins. A loose tassel can fall off during crucial moments.
Conclusion:
Now you understand exactly what side does a tassel go on before you graduate the right side! Moreover, you’ve learned the graduation tassel flip meaning timing and proper technique, ensuring you’ll execute this tradition perfectly. From NYC ceremony halls to graduation venues nationwide, this knowledge prepares you for one of life’s most memorable moments.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Always start with your tassel on the RIGHT side before graduation
- Wait for the official announcement before flipping
- Move your tassel to the LEFT side after you’re declared graduated
- Practice beforehand to build confidence
- This tradition symbolizes your transformation from student to graduate
Your graduation represents years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Consequently, you deserve to participate in every tradition with confidence and pride. Whether you’re graduating from a prestigious NYC university or a school anywhere else, proper graduation tassel side placement ensures you honor this time-tested ceremony correctly.
Share this guide with your fellow graduates to help everyone feel prepared and confident on ceremony day. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation you’ve earned this incredible achievement!
