Graduation Belt Colours And Meaning In South Africa
Graduation is a special moment in every student's life, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. In South Africa, graduation ceremonies often include a display of colorful belts worn by graduates to signify their academic achievements. These belts are not just for show, but carry a deep meaning that reflects the hard work and dedication of the graduates.
History of Graduation Belts in South Africa
The tradition of wearing graduation belts or sashes dates back to the early days of South African universities. At the University of Cape Town, for example, graduation belts were first introduced in the 1920s to differentiate between graduates of different faculties. The practice soon caught on in other universities, and today, graduation belts are an integral part of the graduation ceremony in South Africa.
Meaning of Graduation Belt Colours
The colours of graduation belts in South Africa vary depending on the academic institution and degree level. However, there are some general meanings associated with different belt colours:
Red: This colour is often used for the Bachelor of Commerce degree, representing accounting and finance.
Purple: This colour is commonly associated with law degrees, representing justice and wisdom.
Blue: Blue belts are often worn by graduates in education and social sciences, representing creativity and intelligence.
Green: Green belts are commonly used for agriculture and environmental studies, representing growth and sustainability.
Gold: Gold is often used for degrees in engineering and technology, representing innovation and excellence.
White: White belts are often used for medical and health-related degrees, representing purity and healing.
Black: Black belts are often reserved for doctoral degrees, representing knowledge and experience.
Other Graduation Attire in South Africa
In addition to graduation belts, students in South Africa also wear other traditional attire during their graduation ceremony. This includes academic gowns, caps, and tassels. The gowns are usually black or the colour of the institution, with different patterns and styles for different degrees. The caps are called "mortarboards" and have a flat square top with a tassel hanging from the center. The direction of the tassel indicates the degree level - right for undergraduate and left for postgraduate.
Conclusion
Graduation belts are an important part of graduation ceremonies in South Africa. They serve as a symbol of academic achievement and carry deep meanings that reflect the values and principles of different degree programs. By understanding the significance of graduation belts, students and their families can appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to earn a degree in South Africa.