National Graduation Tassel Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Educational
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every May 17
Holiday emoji:: 🎓

National Graduation Tassel Day, observed every May 17, celebrates the academic achievements and new journeys of students. This day recognizes the dedication and perseverance required to reach graduation. Take time to honor graduates, reflect on their hard work, and support their future endeavors.

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Expected National Graduation Tassel Day Deals

As National Graduation Tassel Day approaches, expect retailers and service providers to roll out special offers designed to celebrate graduates. Look for discounts on professional attire from brands like Men’s Wearhouse and J.Crew, tech gadgets from Best Buy, and gift cards from popular dining spots. Many universities and local businesses partner to offer exclusive deals on celebratory meals or experiences. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 17 approaches, so check back for the latest ways to honor the Class of 2027.

Platform Guide for National Graduation Tassel Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #GraduationTasselDay. Share professional advice or career opportunities for new graduates.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GraduationTasselDay. Post photos of your graduation tassel and share what it symbolizes for you.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GraduationTasselDay. Share stories of graduates you’re proud of and their achievements.

National Graduation Tassel Day Hero

John G. Capers

While the exact origin of the graduation tassel is debated, the modern academic regalia system, including the cap and gown, was largely standardized in the late 19th century. John G. Capers, a tailor in Albany, New York, is often credited with designing and manufacturing many of the early academic costumes, including the distinctive tassels that signify academic achievement and the transition from student to graduate.

History of National Graduation Tassel Day

The most well-known symbol of graduation is a mortarboard hat with a dangling tassel. The tassel also displays the colors of the institution. According to tradition, the brand new graduate moves the tassel from right to left when their name is called before they go on to the stage to receive their anticipated diploma. This tradition started some 50 years ago!

The graduation ceremony dates back to the 12th century when European universities would honor academic excellence and Latin was the language of instruction. The typical graduation outfit was a gown and hood, or hats adapted from the daily attire of university staff in the Middle Ages. The outfit was inspired by medieval clergy and it has pretty much remained the same through the centuries. A typical graduation ceremony is marked by new graduates receiving their degrees and tossing their graduation cap into the air.

It is also in May that schools and universities across the country typically host graduation ceremonies for students. The auditoriums are filled with happy families and friends of graduates who gather to watch and celebrate the academic achievements of their loved ones.

National Graduation Tassel Day timeline

1088

University of Bologna is Established

The oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna is founded.

1636

Harvard University is Established

The oldest university in the U.S., Harvard University is established.

1823

The First Black College Graduate

Alexander Lucius Twilight is the first known Black person to graduate from a college in the U.S.

1831

The First Woman to Earn a Degree

Mississippi College becomes the first co-ed college in the U.S. to grant a degree to a woman.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Graduation Tassel Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Graduation Tassel Day by offering special discounts or promotions to recent graduates. Restaurants could provide a ‘Graduation Meal Deal’ for families, while local boutiques might offer a percentage off professional attire. Consider hosting a small networking event for new alumni, connecting them with local employers or offering free resume review services. Highlight the achievements of local graduates through social media shout-outs, encouraging community engagement and support for their future endeavors.

National Graduation Tassel Day FAQs

When is National Graduation Tassel Day?

In 2027, National Graduation Tassel Day is observed on Monday, May 17. This annual observance is a chance to honor the hard work and dedication of graduates across all levels of education.

How many students graduate each year in the U.S.?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, projections indicate similar numbers, with millions of students completing their degrees. National Graduation Tassel Day celebrates this significant collective accomplishment.

What does the graduation tassel symbolize?

Beyond just a decorative element, the tassel represents the culmination of years of study and dedication. It’s a tangible reminder of one’s educational journey and the exciting professional path ahead.

Is National Graduation Tassel Day a federal holiday?

While not recognized at the federal level, this day serves as an important cultural moment for families, schools, and communities to celebrate educational milestones and inspire future generations.

How to celebrate National Graduation Tassel Day

Post a photo
Dig out some old albums and find your favorite photo from the day you graduated. Post it to your social media with the hashtag #NationalGraduationTasselDay!
Revisit your university
Some of our most cherished moments are from our college and university days. Take some time off to visit your university campus to relive your favorite memories of the days gone by!
Congratulate a new graduate
If you know someone who has recently graduated, send them a present to congratulate them! A small, thoughtful gift like a care package makes for a great National Graduation Tassel Day present!

5 Facts About Graduation That Will Blow Your Mind

The attire is almost 900 years old!
The graduation hat and robe date back to as early as the 12th century!
Graduation caps are inspired by the biretta
Many believe the mortarboard-style graduation hat was inspired by the biretta — a hat worn by the Roman Catholic clergy.
The hat represents a book!
Mortarboard hats are shaped like a square to give them a scholarly appearance and some believe that the hat also represents a book.
You move the tassels from right to left
At the beginning of graduation ceremonies, tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the hat and once graduates receive their diplomas, the tassels are moved to the left.
The tossing of the hat
The tradition of tossing graduation hats into the air dates back to 1912 and originated during a Naval Academy ceremony.

Why we love National Graduation Tassel Day

It’s a day to catch up with friends
Call up your old university or school friends and get together to celebrate National Graduation Tassel Day. You can also organize a virtual party with all your classmates and relive your favorite memories of college.
It celebrates a bright future
National Graduation Tassel Day is a day of optimism because it is all about new graduates and their hopes for the future.
It’s a day of introspection
It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life and forget how much we have achieved since we graduated. This is a good day to reflect on how far you have come and celebrate your progress!