Graduation is an achievement in a student’s life that represents years of hard work during the graduation. On this day, students wear special outfits like caps and gowns and colorful cords, but one of the most important accessories is the commencement cords, which are decorative braided ropes worn by graduates. Cords are used to recognize different academic excellences. So, cords are popular and used by organizations or schools that use different colors and styles to show different honors. You need to understand commencement cords and why they are worn if you are a student, parent, or college administrator. This blog explains to you what commencement cords are, the purpose and meaning behind their colors, and how they are used in modern graduations.
What Are Commencement Cords?
Commencement cords are twisted and decorative cords worn around the neck during graduation ceremonies by students who represent academic achievements and departmental honors and show distinctions like high GPA, service, and leadership. These are made of fabric and come in different varieties like single cord, double cord, and multiple cords, and it depends on how many honors a student earned during graduation.
History and Evolution of Commencement Cords
Commencement cords originated from early European academic ceremonies and color-coded markers in the late 19th century. Over time, these cords became part of these traditions to differentiate academic honors, and these cords were commonly used by colleges, universities, and societies. Then these traditions were standardized in America around 1895-1896. Now, schools also use them to celebrate the achievements of school students.
Purpose of Commencement Cords
The commencement cords are used for different purposes, but the main purpose is to recognize and celebrate student achievement for academic excellence, which is a visible symbol of success. Another common purpose is to recognize involvement in university, clubs, and organizations where students serve as officers, team leaders, and active members. Many schools and universities award cords for community service, volunteer work, and participation in different programs. Explore our blog on commencement ideas, which gives explanations about party ideas and how you can execute them effectively.
Commencement Cords vs. Other Graduation Regalia
There are different accessories worn at a ceremony, like cords and graduation regalia, so understanding the differences between these helps you to choose the right combination for the ceremony to celebrate achievements in new and impactful ways.
| Feature | Commencement Cords | Graduation Stoles | Graduation Caps | Graduation Gowns | Tassels |
| Purpose | Recognize academic honors, achievements, or membership in organizations | Represent school, program, or cultural affiliation | Traditional headwear for graduation ceremonies | Standard attire for all graduates | Indicates graduation level or academic achievement |
| Material | Braided cords, usually silk or polyester | Fabric | Fabric and cardboard | Fabric | Fabric |
| Color Significance | Colors indicate honors, society, or field of study | Colors reflect school, department, or cultural significance | Usually black, some institutions allow color variations | Usually black; some programs allow color-coded gowns | Can indicate field of study or honor level |
| How Worn | Draped around the neck | Draped over shoulders | On the head | Worn over regular clothes | Attached to the cap, hanging to one side |
| Special Recognition | Honors, academic achievement, society membership | Program affiliation | Standard graduation attire | General graduation attire | Honors or level of degree |
| Reusable | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
Modern Use of Commencement Cords
Commencement cords have a long history of representing academic achievements, but their use has expanded in modern ceremonies. In today’s modern ceremonies, cords do not just represent the top grades; they represent honor leadership, community service, and club participation. Many schools, for their high school graduation cords, offer custom cords that allow them to customize the colors, patterns, or designs that show their personal achievements during study. So, these cords are flexible and a symbolic way to honor academic excellence, service, leadership, and cultural identity.
Who Can Wear Commencement Cords?
Commencement cords are not just worn by college students; today, many schools, organizations, and different graduates use cords that show different achievements. High school students also wear cords to recognize academic success, and they have become a popular way for schools to celebrate students with good grades. These cords are also worn by college and university students for academic honors and departmental recognition. In today’s digital era, online learners also receive cords.
How to Choose the Right Commencement Cords
It is important to know how to select the right commencement cords because so many options are available, like colors, styles, and meanings. Graduation honors cords show different achievements for different institutes, but these are some key points to consider when choosing the cords.
Check the School’s Guidelines
First of all, you need to check the school’s guidelines because they have different and specific rules for honor cords for each accessory, like color for graduation stoles, style, and eligibility criteria.
Know the Meaning of Colors
This is another important factor that plays an important role when you are choosing cords because different colors represent different honors, like the gold color for academic excellence and the white color for arts, humanities, and history, so make sure the cord color matches your achievement.
Consider Your Achievements
After choosing the color, select cords that represent your specific, unique journey, such as academic honors or leadership roles.
Choose the Right Material
There are lots of different types of materials available for cords, so choose a material wisely that supports your color and design and gives you a clean look in photos, and you can also use cords as keepsakes.
Plan Ahead
Many students customize their cords, so you need to order yours early to get them before the ceremony. Early ordering helps you to avoid last-minute stress, and you can also plan other things freely.
Commencement Cord Colors and Their Meanings
Commencement cord colors play an important role in graduation ceremonies, and each color carries a different meaning. The different color also helps the family, people, and faculty to recognize the student. So, it is important to know which color represents what, but the meaning may vary by institute.
Gold
The Gold color represents high academic achievement, like graduating with summa cum laude. It also represents a high GPA of more than 4.0.
Silver
This color symbolizes leadership and denotes medicine, science, and any community service. It is worn by student leaders or officers of organizations.
Red
Red commencement cords indicate honor and courage and signify achievements in journalism, music, and public health. They are associated with specific honor societies.
Blue
The color of cords represents academic excellence, service, and loyalty, and they are awarded for teaching programs and community service.
Green
Green commencement cords symbolize growth, sustainability, health, and medicine. There are many shades included in this color, like forest green and Kelly green.
Conclusion
Commencement cords are meaningful symbols of dedication and achievement, and different colors represent different meanings and services, like green symbolizing health. So, cords are not just decorative accessories that are worn at graduation ceremonies; graduation honor cords allow graduates to show their hard work. Understanding the purpose, colors, and use of cords helps graduates to select the right cords.
FAQs
How many cords can you wear at graduation?
A graduating student can wear multiple graduation cords because many schools allow students to show them for different honors. It also depends on the institute because they fix the exact number, so the number may vary and depend on the institute.
Are graduation honor cords only for academic achievement?
No, graduation honor cords are not specifically for academic achievement; they are used to award for different purposes, like leadership roles, any service in the community, and other specific achievements.
Do cord colors mean the same at every school?
No, cord colors do not have the same meaning at every school; the meaning of the color varies between schools and institutions, so always check the school’s official guidelines and policy.
Are graduation cords a new tradition?
No, graduation cords are not a new tradition; graduation cords were used from the 12th century, where they were used as symbolic attire.
