Yazir

Graduation Robes

After along awaited period, the day has come for one to finally receive the academic award. During this commencement, every graduate is excited to go in front of the pulpit and receive the award. This is a very special moment that one needs to be well dressed for. Graduation robes are normally worn on this day to symbolize the academic achievement and completion of a level of education be it kindergarten, high school, college or university, all students use the robes together with mortarboard, tassel, cord, tam, hood and or gown.

In the early days, between the 12th and 13th century, the graduation Robes
were worn on daily basis in various institutions either academic or monasteries. They were also worn by judges and barristers to represent their high authority. Although this may also be seen in the present day, the tradition was adapted in the modern academic institutions and mostly worn in the graduation ceremonies. The robes are loose fittings that are very long and worn as the main garment in graduation ceremonies. Depending on the institutional preference, graduation robes can be found in different colors that represent the academic institution although the most common color or standard color is black. Robes are in diffr5ent sizes and one should have a fitting before finally purchasing the robe.

GraduationSource, a leader in graduation regalia products since 1960.

Understanding and respecting other cultures has never been as important as it is today. Amidst the wars, terrorism, globalization and the fight for localization and protection of ancient practices, a deep knowledge and appreciation of one own and others’ culture has become crucial.

With this in mind, education has always been at the forefront in bringing the concept of understanding to other people. Proper dissemination of information is key to understanding the differences in culture and way of life.

How can people of diverse cultural backgrounds understand each other without having to buy a plane ticket? Time zones and geographical distances are no longer an issue today. With the advent of the internet where information is just a mouse click away, one can learn about practically any country in the world. And perhaps the best way to start is by reading some world literature.

World literature allows students to fly with their imaginations to unknown lands and meet unknown people through the use of words and prose. Literature is just one facet of culture. American literature is a facet of our culture, while Asian culture is in many degrees represented in the literatures written by Asians. The same goes for other literatures of the world.

Reading a story set in China teaches one about the values, customs and daily life of the people there. World literature exists because different cultures and their peoples’ stories need to be told. And knowing one thing about somebody else’s life other than your own drives you to appreciate their culture, as well as your own. It is also one step closer to peace and respect for others.

Learn more about Courtney Sale Ross, the founder of the Ross Globabl Institute, on the Building Education site.

Courtney Sale Ross gave her views of education in an interviewe with Charlie Rose.

The Ross School sells land donated by Courtney Sale Ross to East Hampton.