mortarboard etymology

Etymology

The word "mortarboard" is derived from the Latin words:

• Mortarium: A bowl or receptacle used to pound and mix ingredients
• Board: A flat piece of wood

Meaning and Origin

A mortarboard is a square, flat-topped academic cap worn by university graduates. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages:

Origins:

• In the 13th century, students and scholars at the University of Bologna and other Italian universities began wearing soft, flat caps called "pileus quadratus" (square cap).
• These caps were made of black or brown cloth and were worn to signify their affiliation with the university.
• Over time, the caps became more formal and elaborate.

Evolution:

• In the 15th century, a cardboard insert was added to the inside of the pileus quadratus to give it a more rigid shape. This insert was known as a "mortar" due to its resemblance to the mortar used to mix ingredients.
• By the 16th century, the mortarboard had become the standard cap for university graduates in Europe.
• It was introduced to the United States in the late 18th century and has remained a symbol of academic achievement ever since.

Symbolism:

The mortarboard represents the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual achievement:

• The square top symbolizes the foundation of a university education.
• The tassel, which is usually attached to the top, symbolizes the completion of studies.
• The color of the tassel varies according to the degree and institution the graduate has received it from.

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