Graduation caps, known as mortarboard caps, are square due to their historical evolution from the biretta, a type of hat worn by Catholic clergy in the 14th century. Initially, these caps had three peaks and a tuft of silk, but by the 17th century, they evolved into the flat, square shape we recognize today. This transformation was influenced by the need to maintain the cap's flatness and the association with academic achievement.
Historical Evolution
The mortarboard cap originated in 16th-century Italy, inspired by the biretta. Over time, the cap's top section grew larger, necessitating a flat, square shape to maintain its form. By the mid-17th century, Oxford University students began referring to it as the'mortarboard' due to its resemblance to the flat boards used by masons. This nickname eventually became widely adopted.
