Graduations are a significant milestone in many cultures around the world, symbolizing the completion of an academic journey. While you may be familiar with your own traditions, you may be unaware of celebrations across different countries and educational institutions. Read on for a glimpse into some unique graduation traditions from around the world.
Graduation Traditions in Salamanca, Spain
The University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain, has one of the most solemn investiture ceremonies for new doctors (Ph.D.).
During the ceremony, which is held in Latin, the godparents impose the insignia, birettas, and rings on each doctoral candidate, with the color depending on his or her faculty.
In addition, the graduates share an open and a closed book, while they are sworn in, and medals are imposed on them.
In this celebration, which coincides with the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, there is also a colorful procession of professors and authorities who enter the Auditorium after a short tour, through the cloister of the Main Schools, which is preceded by a group of musicians with shawms.
Graduation Traditions in China
For a graduation party or dinner, there are several traditions followed by new graduates in China.
For instance, the celebration is assigned a theme such as ‘Let your dreams fly.’ At most parties, selected students prepare programs such as a song and dance routine, which they dedicate to their classmates.
In general, it is a time to honor outstanding graduates and give all graduates a chance to shine.
Some students even put together their own shows to showcase their talents. It’s also a chance for graduates to thank their teachers and spend one last time with their classmates and professors, making it a memorable event for everyone!
Graduation Traditions in Italy
Recent graduates at the University of Padova in Italy receive practical jokes from both their friends and families, although everything is done in a friendly manner, in which both the graduates and the rest of the students enjoy the end of their university career.
Meanwhile, students in Milan receive a laurel wreath that they should not buy themselves due to a symbol of bad luck. Afterwards, they head to the columns of San Lorenzo to sing and celebrate for the long-awaited graduations.
The golden rule is that they cannot take off the laurel wreath for any reason except to go to bed at the end of the day.
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