It’s the height of the graduation ceremony season, with young (and some not so young) people up and down the country anxiously waiting for their final degree results and planning what they will wear on the big day (apart from a gown and a peculiar hat, that is).
Hopefully there will be many photographs taken at the event that will end up framed on the mantle pieces of proud parents for years to come. The graduation ceremony is usually held in a large hall and the graduands (a person who has finished studying but not yet received their degree certificate) walk on stage to receive a handshake and a round of applause.
It’s an ancient rite of passage for university and college students that dates back to the 12th century. At Oxford University, the degree ceremony is still conducted in Latin, just as it would have been all those years ago. The traditional dress of a mortar board cap and gown has also remained largely unchanged since the mediaeval era.
It’s natural to want to celebrate this milestone with a gift, whether that’s to treat yourself for a great result, or to reward a graduating student in your life. It can be difficult to know what to choose, and of course it may depend on their future path in life and also personal preferences.
One failsafe option is to pick a classic keepsafe item, such as a piece of jewellery. Another lovely idea is to choose a handcrafted gift that also carries a symbolic meaning, such as a Welsh lovespoon. These are individually crafted from the best quality limewood, sycamore or walnut, that provides a crisp finish and takes detail well.
The handle is carved with a special motif, such as a horseshoe to represent good fortune and god’s favour, or a heart, flower, or celtic cross. They are a gift that will last a lifetime and add a touch of Celtic charm to any room in the house, and also serve as a permanent reminder of a special day.
Graduation is an important occasion that rounds off years of hard work, essay crises, flat share squabbles, and hopefully some good times with friends as well! It also marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new chapter, whether that’s starting a new job, travelling, or just a breather to take stock and consider the options ahead.
Fun fact: graduands of the University of Bristol did not wear hats from the 1960s right up until last year. Legend has it this is because male graduands threw their hats away as a protest against the admittance of women into the university. Thankfully, just 55 years later, the male students seem to have finally got over it and hats are making a comeback!
Meanwhile, graduates of Oxford University take part in the rather messy tradition of ‘trashing’, which involves showering fellow graduates with all manner of substances, including glitter, shaving foam, and copious amounts of booze!