Have you ever noticed that graduates tend to wear different colored stoles around their necks during their graduation ceremony? These stoles might seem like a fashion statement, but they actually hold a deeper meaning. In many universities and colleges, stoles are a symbol of achievement, recognition, and gratitude. They signify the graduate’s hard work and dedication towards their field of study and honor their achievements.
Each stole color represents a particular accomplishment, such as academic excellence, community service, or leadership. For instance, students with a bachelor’s degree in science may wear green stoles, indicating their success in the scientific field. Whereas, students who have volunteered for a substantial amount of time, may wear gold stoles, representing their commitment to community service. Additionally, students who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities, may wear purple stoles to honor their leadership and organizational achievements.
In essence, the stole is not just a piece of clothing but a powerful symbol of graduation, representing the student’s journey from academia to the real world. It serves as a reminder to the graduates of the sacrifices they have made, the hard work they have put in, and the community they are now a part of. So, the next time you see a graduate wearing a stole, remember that it symbolizes much more than their fashion sense – it is an emblem of their success, excellence, and accomplishment.
The History of Stoles in Academic Regalia
Stoles have been part of academic regalia for centuries, and their use can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. In these civilizations, stoles were worn as a symbol of authority and status by high-ranking officials, such as judges and senators. As time passed, stoles became more ornate and were used to distinguish between different levels of education.
During the Middle Ages, academic regalia was predominantly worn by members of the clergy, particularly in religious institutions that had a strong tradition of scholasticism. Stoles were commonly worn by priests and bishops, but it wasn’t until the early 12th century that they became an important part of academic dress.
- The use of stoles in academic regalia can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome.
- Stoles were originally worn as a symbol of authority and status by high-ranking officials.
- During the Middle Ages, stoles became an important part of academic dress for members of the clergy.
It was around this time that the University of Paris was founded, which quickly became a center of learning and scholarship. The University of Paris mandated that all scholars wear academic regalia, which included a robe, hood, and stole. The color and design of the stole were determined by the scholar’s level of education.
As academic institutions continued to grow and develop, the use of stoles in academic regalia became more widespread. In the United States, stoles are worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to signify their academic achievements. Different colors and designs are used to distinguish between different majors and academic programs.
The following table shows the traditional colors and their meanings:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Arts, Letters, Humanities |
| Golden Yellow | Science |
| Purple | Law |
| Light Blue | Education |
| Orange | Engineering |
| Brown | Business |
Stoles are a traditional and important part of academic regalia, and their use continues to be an important symbol of academic achievement and distinction.
Different colors and designs of graduation stoles
Graduation stole is a significant piece of clothing that graduates wear during their special day. It represents a significant milestone achieved during a student’s academic years. The graduation stole has various colors and designs that represent a variety of meanings and achievements in their academic journey. Apart from the traditional black stole awarded to all graduates, below are some of the colors and designs of graduation stoles for different disciplines and achievements:
- Gold Graduation Stole: The gold graduation stole is often given to honor graduates, indicating their excellent academic performance and achievements.
- Red Graduation Stole: Graduation stoles in red are often given to students in degrees such as Media Studies, Journalism, and Mass Communication.
- Blue Graduation Stole: Graduation stoles in blue often represent degrees in Business and Law.
Aside from the colors and designs, graduation stoles also feature embroidery or printed patterns that hold significant meaning to various academic achievements.
Below is a table of different designs that can be found on graduation stoles:
| Design | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Latin Honor Cords | This design is a recognition of top academic achievers. |
| Service Organizations | Students involved in organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Kappa, or Alpha Delta Kappa often wear a graduation stole showcasing their participation. |
| Country Flag | This design is often worn by international students to showcase their country of origin. |
Graduation stoles serve as a symbol of academic achievement and are often a treasured keepsake for graduates. They represent the academic journey of students throughout their college experience and are a visual testament to their hard work and dedication.
The Significance of Stole Colors in Different Academic Disciplines
Graduation is an important milestone in a student’s life. It signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. During the graduation ceremony, students wear a uniform attire that includes a gown, cap, and a stole. The stole is a long, decorative scarf-like piece of cloth that is draped around the neck and hangs down at the front. The stole, in different colors, represents the different academic disciplines and achievements of the graduating student.
- White Stole: The white stole symbolizes graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree. It represents the disciplines of literature, humanities, and social sciences.
- Light Blue Stole: The light blue stole represents graduation with a degree in education. It signifies dedication to the education field and the commitment to teaching and service.
- Golden Yellow Stole: The golden yellow stole is given to graduates in the field of science, engineering, and mathematics. It represents the richness and diversity of knowledge and discoveries in these fields.
Aside from the three common colors mentioned above, there are also other colors that represent different academic disciplines. Here is a table that shows the various stole colors and their corresponding academic disciplines:
| Stole Color | Academic Discipline |
|---|---|
| Apricot | Nursing |
| Beige | Library and Information Science |
| Citron | Physical therapy |
| Copper | Economics |
| Crimson | Journalism and Mass Communication |
| Drab | Business and Accounting |
| Green | Medicine and Health Sciences |
| Lemon | Library Science |
| Light Pink | Music |
| Olive | Pharmacy |
| Orange | Engineering |
| Purple | Law |
| Russet | Humanities |
| Sage | Physical Education |
| Sapphire Blue | Philosophy |
| Scarlet | Theology and Divinity |
Wearing the appropriate stole color is a recognition of the effort and hard work put in by the graduating student for successfully completing his/her course. It gives pride and sense of achievement for the academic discipline imparted to the students, a time-honored tradition of academic excellence that has been observed for generations.
Materials typically used in making graduation stoles
Graduation stoles are a significant accessory worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. These stoles are usually made with specific materials known for their durability and symbolic representation. The following are the most commonly used materials in making graduation stoles:
- Satin: Graduation stoles are commonly made of satin textiles. Satin is a smooth and lustrous fabric made from silk, polyester, or a blend of both. This material is commonly used for graduation stoles because it is lightweight, easy to clean, and reflects light very well, making the colors of the design and emblem on the stole more prominent.
- Cotton: Cotton fabric is another commonly used material in making graduation stoles. This fabric is comfortable, durable, and breathable, making it an excellent choice for students who will wear the stoles for long periods during ceremonies. Cotton is also easy to print on and dye, making it a popular option for customizing personalized stoles.
- Velvet: Graduation stoles can also be made with velvet fabric. This material is soft, warm, and has a plush texture. Velvet has excellent draping qualities and is typically used to enhance the visual appeal of the stole by adding depth and dimension to the design. Velvet stoles are very popular in graduations from law and other professional schools, with the school’s emblem and motto being embroidered onto the velvet fabric.
- Silk: Graduation stoles made with silk textiles exude luxury, refinement, and elegance. Silk is a delicate and lightweight fabric that is perfect for customization and embroidery. The material is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for students with sensitive skin. Silk stoles are usually chosen for their aesthetic value, and the finished product is of high quality and durability.
Colors typically used in graduation stoles
The colors used in graduation stoles represent different meanings depending on the school or organization. In most cases, the main color of the stole represents the academic discipline of the graduate. Here are some of the most common colors used in graduation stoles:
- White: Represents well-roundedness, leadership, and academic excellence. It is usually worn by graduates who have excelled in all their courses and are graduating with honors.
- Black: Represents bachelor’s degrees in arts and science, business, and general studies.
- Gold: Represents a degree in business administration, management, and accounting.
- Red: Represents a degree in communications, journalism, and media studies.
- Light blue: Represents a degree in education and teaching.
- Dark blue: Represents a degree in philosophy and humanities.
- Green: Represents a degree in environmental studies.
- Purple: Represents a degree in law, criminal justice, and paralegal studies.
- Pink: Represents a degree in music or fine arts.
- Orange: Represents a degree in engineering and technology.
Designs typically used in graduation stoles
Graduation stoles are customized with emblems, logos, slogans, and symbols of academic or extracurricular achievements. These designs carry different meanings that make them special and significant to the graduate. Here are some of the most common designs typically used in graduation stoles:
- Emblems: Emblems are images or symbols that represent a school, organization, or fraternity. These emblems are usually stitched, embossed, or printed onto the graduation stole.
- Logos: Logos are graphical representations of a brand or business. Graduation stoles can also incorporate logos of sponsoring companies or organizations.
- Slogans: Slogans are short sentences or phrases that convey a message or idea. Graduates can choose to print or embroider slogans on their graduation stoles to express their feelings, thoughts, and beliefs.
- Symbols: Symbols are images or icons that represent abstract concepts or ideas. Graduation stoles can feature different symbols, including peace symbols, religious symbols, and national symbols, depending on the graduate’s preference.
Caring for graduation stoles
Graduation stoles are cherished possessions and should be handled with care. Here are some tips for caring for graduation stoles to ensure they remain in good condition:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Store the stole in a dry place | Avoid storing graduation stoles in damp areas to prevent molds or mildew from forming. It is best to keep them in a dry and cool area. |
| Hang the stole | Hanging the graduation stole is ideal as it prevents creases from forming and keeps it wrinkle-free. Hang the stole by its center rather than by the ends to avoid stretching the fabric. |
| Avoid exposing the stole to direct sunlight | Graduation stoles should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and faded colors. Store them in a shaded area or UV-protective garment bag. |
| Wash the stole carefully | Washing graduation stoles should be done carefully to prevent damage. Handwash the stole using mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly, and hang to air-dry. Avoid using a dryer or ironing the stole. |
In summary, graduation stoles are an essential accessory for graduates, representing their academic achievements and personal sentiments. Whether made of satin, velvet, cotton, or silk, these stoles are significant keepsakes that graduates will treasure for life.
The Role of Stoles in Academic Ceremonies
Graduation is one of the most important milestones in a student’s life. It marks the end of an academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter. Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition, and one of the most significant symbols of graduation is the stole. In this article, we explore the various roles that stoles play in academic ceremonies.
- Academic Achievement: Stoles are often used to recognize and honor academic achievement. They are typically worn by students who have earned academic honors, such as cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude. These stoles are worn over the gown and vary in color or design, depending on the institution, degree, or field of study.
- Cultural and Ethnic Representation: Stoles are also used to celebrate and represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of students. Many colleges and universities offer stoles that feature cultural or ethnic symbols, colors, or designs. These stoles serve as a way for students to display their cultural pride and heritage.
- Organizational Affiliation: Stoles are sometimes used to signify a student’s affiliation with a specific organization, club, or fraternity/sorority. These stoles often feature the colors or emblem of the organization and are worn by members during graduation ceremonies as a way to identify themselves and show their support for their organization or group.
Aside from these roles, stoles also serve as a way to unify and distinguish graduates during the ceremony. The wearing of the stole is a visual reminder that all graduates have gone through a similar academic journey and have reached a significant milestone in their lives.
Notably, while stoles are mostly associated with college and university graduation ceremonies, they are also commonly used in other academic ceremonies such as high school, middle school, and even Kindergarten graduations. Stoles signify the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new journey, regardless of the student’s level of education.
| Stole Color/Design | School/College | Degree/Field of Study |
|---|---|---|
| White | Nursing School | Nursing |
| Light Blue | Education Department | Education |
| Gold | Business School | Business Admininstration |
In conclusion, stoles serve a vital role in academic ceremonies, celebrating academic achievement, cultural and ethnic representation, and organizational affiliation. They signify the hard work and dedication that students put into their studies, and they unify and distinguish graduates during the ceremony. Ultimately, stoles are a testament to the academic journey of each student and a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
How stoles are worn during graduation ceremonies
Stoles are an essential part of graduation ceremonies, often symbolizing a student’s academic achievements and signify their affiliation with a particular honors society, academic department, or fraternity/sorority. In many cases, these stoles come in various colors, patterns, and designs, each representing a different achievement or affiliation.
- Placement: Typically worn draped over the shoulders, the stole sits with the edges hanging down the front and back of the graduation gown. Some students choose to instead wear their stoles over the graduation gown, with one edge drape down the front and one down the back, creating a more fitted look.
- Order: The order in which students wear their stoles depends on the preferences of the school or academic program. Graduates typically wear their school’s stole, ribbon, or cord first, followed by any other honors society affiliations and then additional achievements earned during their time in school.
- Color: Stoles come in various colors representing different academic honors, programs, or societies. For example, a student wearing a maroon stole may be part of the school’s theater program, while a gold stole may represent their affiliation with the National Honor Society.
It’s important to note that not all students may wear a stole during their graduation ceremony. Some programs or honors societies may not offer stoles, while others may have strict requirements regarding eligibility for wearing them. However, for those who do have the opportunity to wear a stole, it can serve as a proud symbol of their hard work and academic achievements.
Here is a table listing some common colors of graduation stoles and their corresponding meanings:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blue | Liberal Arts degree |
| Gold | National Honor Society or other academic honors |
| Maroon | Theater or performing arts degree |
| Purple | Mathematics or science degree |
| White | Education degree |
| Green | Medicine or health science degree |
The Difference Between Stoles and Cords in Graduation Regalia
As students prepare to graduate, they will start to purchase their graduation regalia, which typically includes a cap, gown, stole, and cord. While these accessories may seem similar, they all hold unique meanings. In this article, we will focus on the difference between stoles and cords in graduation regalia.
What is a Stole?
A stole is a long piece of cloth that is worn over the shoulders and drapes down the front of the gown. It is typically decorated with special symbols or words that represent achievements, honors, or affiliations with organizations. Stoles are usually made from satin or silk and come in a variety of colors.
- Stoles come in many different colors to represent different achievements and affiliations
- They can be used to represent academic honors, membership in organizations, or participation in extracurricular activities
- Stoles are worn by many students during graduation ceremonies
What is a Cord?
A cord, on the other hand, is a shorter accessory that hangs around the neck and falls to the front of the gown on each side. Unlike stoles, cords are typically not decorated with symbols or words. Instead, they are made from twisted or braided cords of different colors to represent specific academic achievements.
- Cords come in different colors to represent different areas of academic achievement
- They can signify a student’s achievements in areas such as community service, leadership, or academic excellence
- Cords are typically worn in addition to stoles, but are not required for all students
What is the Difference?
So, what is the main difference between stoles and cords in graduation regalia? Stoles typically represent a wider variety of achievements and affiliations, while cords are used to signify specific areas of academic excellence or achievement. Both accessories are optional and can be worn by students to showcase their accomplishments during their time in school.
| Stoles | Cords |
|---|---|
| Long piece of cloth worn over shoulders | Shorter accessory worn around the neck |
| Decorated with symbols or words | Made from twisted or braided cords of different colors |
| Represents a variety of achievements and affiliations | Signifies specific areas of academic excellence or achievement |
In conclusion, both stoles and cords are important graduation regalia accessories that hold unique meanings for each individual student. They allow students to celebrate their accomplishments and showcase their hard work during their time in school.
The use of stoles outside of academic ceremonies
While stoles are commonly associated with academic ceremonies, they are also used in various contexts outside of graduation ceremonies. Here are some examples:
- Religious ceremonies: Stoles are often worn by clergy members during religious events as a symbol of their office. These stoles may be decorated with specific religious symbols or colors to denote the particular religion or denomination.
- Cultural events: In some cultures, stoles are worn as a traditional garment for important events such as weddings, funerals, or festivals. For example, In India, a stole is called a “dupatta” and is worn by women with traditional clothing like a “Salwar Kameez” or “Lahanga Choli”.
- Honors and awards: Similar to academic stoles, special stoles are sometimes presented as awards or honors for achievements in certain organizations or clubs. For example, members of the Boy Scouts of America may receive stoles adorned with various merit badges.
Stole colors and their meanings
Stoles come in various colors, and each color can symbolize different meanings or achievements. Here is a chart of some commonly used stole colors and their corresponding meanings:
| Stole Color | Meaning or Achievement |
|---|---|
| White | Purity, innocence, or spirituality |
| Black | Mourning or solemnity |
| Red | Courage, passion, or love |
| Green | Hope, growth, or new life |
| Gold/Yellow | Wisdom, achievement, or excellence |
| Blue | Trust, loyalty, or wisdom |
Personalizing your stole
While academic stoles usually come with predetermined colors and symbols, you can personalize your stole for other events or ceremonies.
For example, you can add embroidered symbols or letters that represent your personal achievements or values. You can also decorate your stole with fabric paint, beads, or other embellishments to make it unique and special to you.
The Cultural Significance of Stoles in Different Societies
Graduation stoles have been used by different societies throughout history to symbolize achievement and signify social status. The stole is worn around the neck and is often decorated with various colors or designs. In some cultures, the use of a stole is associated with religious or spiritual significance, while others use it to represent membership in an organization or as a status symbol. This article explores the cultural significance of stoles in different societies around the world.
The Number 9
- In some universities and colleges in the United States, stoles are often decorated with the number 9 to represent the nine different academic disciplines. The number 9 is significant because it is the highest single-digit number and signifies the completion of a cycle.
- Similarly, in Filipino universities, nine is also the number of academic disciplines and is represented by the colors of each school.
Table of Colors and Symbols in Stoles
| Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Gold | Achievement |
| Blue | Intelligence |
| Red | Passion |
| Green | Hope |
| Purple | Royalty |
| White | Purity |
Stole colors also have symbolic meaning in different societies. For example, gold is often associated with achievement, while blue represents intelligence. Red is commonly used to symbolize passion, and green represents hope. Purple is often associated with royalty, while white symbolizes purity.
How to Properly Care for and Store Graduation Stoles
Graduation stoles are a cherished symbol of academic achievement and should be carefully taken care of and stored to preserve their quality and integrity. Below are some tips on how to properly care for and store graduation stoles:
- Handle with care: Always handle your graduation stole with clean hands, as the oils and dirt on your hands can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric. Avoid grabbing the tassel or any fringes, as they are delicate and can easily tear or unravel.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach, harsh detergents, or other chemicals on your graduation stole, as they can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric. Use a mild detergent and cold water to hand-wash or spot-clean your stole, if necessary.
- Air-dry: Do not put your graduation stole in the dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric. Instead, lay your stole flat or hang it up to air-dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
When it comes to storing your graduation stole, here are some additional tips:
Keep it clean: Make sure your graduation stole is clean and dry before storing it, as moisture and dirt can cause damage and discoloration over time.
Use acid-free paper: If you are storing your graduation stole in a box or container, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap it, to protect it from dust and other environmental pollutants.
Avoid direct sunlight: Do not store your graduation stole in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric over time.
Store it flat: When storing your graduation stole, lay it flat in a box or container, rather than hanging it up, as this can cause stretching and damage to the fabric over time. If you must hang your stole, use a padded hanger to prevent creases and distortion in the fabric.
| Do’s | Dont’s |
|---|---|
| Handle with clean hands. | Grab the tassel or fringes. |
| Use mild detergent and cold water to wash. | Use bleach or harsh chemicals. |
| Air-dry flat or hang away from direct sunlight and heat sources. | Put in the dryer. |
| Store clean and dry with acid-free paper. | Store in direct sunlight or near a heat source. |
| Use a padded hanger if hanging. | Hang without a padded hanger. |
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your graduation stole remains a treasured symbol of your academic achievement for years to come.
What Does a Stole Symbolize Graduation? FAQs
1. What is a stole in graduation?
A stole is a long, colorful sash that is worn over the graduation gown. It is a common graduation accessory that graduates can wear to represent their academic achievements.
2. What does a stole symbolize in graduation?
A stole symbolizes academic achievement, leadership, or membership in an academic or social organization. It’s a representation of a student’s hard work and dedication throughout their academic career.
3. Who can wear a stole in graduation?
Any graduate can wear a stole in graduation. However, some organizations have certain requirements for stoles, such as being a member of the organization or achieving certain academic accomplishments.
4. Is wearing a stole mandatory in graduation?
No, wearing a stole is not mandatory in graduation. It is an optional accessory that graduates can wear to express their individuality and achievements during the ceremony.
5. What colors are stoles in graduation?
Stoles can come in various colors and designs depending on their meaning. Some of the most common colors include gold, silver, blue, and maroon. The color of a stole can indicate a specific achievement or membership in an organization.
6. How is a stole worn in graduation?
A stole is worn over the graduation gown, draped over the shoulders and crossed in the front. It is usually worn with the academic hood and cap.
7. Where can I get a stole for graduation?
You can get a stole for graduation from your school’s bookstore, online retailers, or local graduation stores. You can also personalize your stole with your school’s colors, graduation year, or specific design.
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations on your graduation! Now that you know what a stole symbolizes in graduation, you can customize it to proudly represent your achievements. Whether you’re wearing a stole or not, remember that your hard work and dedication have led you to this moment. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon.