{"id":1196,"date":"2026-06-26T03:33:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T03:33:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.callie.com\/gift-ideas\/?p=7580"},"modified":"2026-07-01T07:20:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:20:43","slug":"graduation-tassel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On? The Complete Guide to Colors, Rules &amp; Meaning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Your graduation cap has this cute swinging tassel, but do you know it has a unique traditional aspect that most of us don&#8217;t know about? If you don&#8217;t know on which side this tassel hangs, you will appear \u201cgraduate\u201d in front of the audience even before the ceremony begins. To avoid any such accidents, our guide has everything you need to know about graduation tassels. We have covered how to wear the tassel correctly, the meanings of different colors, and the proper ways to use it after the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Which_Side_Does_the_Tassel_Go_On\" title=\"Which Side Does the Tassel Go On?&nbsp;\">Which Side Does the Tassel Go On?&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#High_School_Graduation_Right_%E2%86%92_Left\" title=\"High School Graduation (Right \u2192 Left)\">High School Graduation (Right \u2192 Left)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Bachelors_Degree_Right_%E2%86%92_Left\" title=\"Bachelor&#8217;s Degree (Right \u2192 Left)\">Bachelor&#8217;s Degree (Right \u2192 Left)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Masters_Doctoral_Worn_on_the_Left_Throughout\" title=\"Master&#8217;s &amp; Doctoral (Worn on the Left Throughout)\">Master&#8217;s &amp; Doctoral (Worn on the Left Throughout)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#When_Exactly_to_Move_It_Ceremony_Cue_Table\" title=\"When Exactly to Move It (Ceremony Cue Table)\">When Exactly to Move It (Ceremony Cue Table)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Why_%E2%80%9CTurning_the_Tassel%E2%80%9D_Matters\" title=\"Why &#8220;Turning the Tassel&#8221; Matters\">Why &#8220;Turning the Tassel&#8221; Matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Graduation_Tassel_Colors_and_Their_Meanings\" title=\"Graduation Tassel Colors and Their Meanings\">Graduation Tassel Colors and Their Meanings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Whats_on_the_Tassel_%E2%80%94_Year_Charms_Signets_Custom_Add-Ons\" title=\"What&#8217;s on the Tassel \u2014 Year Charms, Signets &amp; Custom Add-Ons\">What&#8217;s on the Tassel \u2014 Year Charms, Signets &amp; Custom Add-Ons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#How_to_Wear_the_Tassel_Correctly\" title=\"How to Wear the Tassel Correctly\">How to Wear the Tassel Correctly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Common_Tassel_Mistakes_and_How_to_Avoid_Them\" title=\"Common Tassel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)\">Common Tassel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#After_Graduation_What_to_Do_with_Your_Tassel\" title=\"After Graduation: What to Do with Your Tassel\">After Graduation: What to Do with Your Tassel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Which_side_does_the_tassel_go_on_before_graduation\" title=\"Which side does the tassel go on before graduation?&nbsp;\">Which side does the tassel go on before graduation?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#When_do_you_move_the_tassel_from_right_to_left\" title=\"When do you move the tassel from right to left?&nbsp;\">When do you move the tassel from right to left?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#What_do_the_tassel_colors_mean\" title=\"What do the tassel colors mean?&nbsp;\">What do the tassel colors mean?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Why_do_masters_students_wear_the_tassel_on_the_left\" title=\"Why do master&#8217;s students wear the tassel on the left?&nbsp;\">Why do master&#8217;s students wear the tassel on the left?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#What_is_the_year_charm_on_a_graduation_tassel\" title=\"What is the year charm on a graduation tassel?&nbsp;\">What is the year charm on a graduation tassel?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Can_I_keep_my_graduation_tassel\" title=\"Can I keep my graduation tassel?&nbsp;\">Can I keep my graduation tassel?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#Are_gold_tassels_for_honors_students\" title=\"Are gold tassels for honors students?&nbsp;\">Are gold tassels for honors students?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#What_color_tassel_is_for_valedictorian\" title=\"What color tassel is for valedictorian?&nbsp;\">What color tassel is for valedictorian?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Side_Does_the_Tassel_Go_On\"><\/span>Which Side Does the Tassel Go On?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"High_School_Graduation_Right_%E2%86%92_Left\"><\/span>High School Graduation (Right \u2192 Left)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>If you are a high school grad, you have to keep your tassel on the right side of the cap at the beginning of the ceremony. Once the degree is awarded, the entire batch moves the tassel on the left, indicating completion of high school graduation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bachelors_Degree_Right_%E2%86%92_Left\"><\/span>Bachelor&#8217;s Degree (Right \u2192 Left)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>As in high school, undergraduates are required to keep the tassel on the right before the degree is awarded. Once the ceremony completes and students receive their degrees, they are cued to move the tassels to the left.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Masters_Doctoral_Worn_on_the_Left_Throughout\"><\/span>Master&#8217;s &amp; Doctoral (Worn on the Left Throughout)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>This is where the right-to-left ritual changes. Masters and doctoral candidates are required to wear their graduation tassels on the left throughout the ceremony.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Exactly_to_Move_It_Ceremony_Cue_Table\"><\/span>When Exactly to Move It (Ceremony Cue Table)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Moment<\/td><td>Where the Tassel Should Be<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lining up \/ processional<\/td><td>Right (bachelor&#8217;s &amp; high school)<br>Left (master&#8217;s &amp; doctoral)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Walking across the stage<\/td><td>Stays put until told otherwise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Degree officially conferred<\/td><td>Bachelor&#8217;s &amp; HS: move right \u2192 left<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recessional and photos<\/td><td>Left side and it stays there<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>The exact timing (individual vs. group turn) varies by school. Always double-check your own commencement program. Also, just like tassels, gown colors also have a meaning. Read <a href=\"http:\/\/callie.com\/gift-ideas\/graduation-gown-colors-meaning\/\">graduation gown colors meaning<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_%E2%80%9CTurning_the_Tassel%E2%80%9D_Matters\"><\/span>Why &#8220;Turning the Tassel&#8221; Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>This memorable motion is not just an activity. It is a feeling of \u201cI did it\u201d felt by every student in the ceremony.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Graduation_Tassel_Colors_and_Their_Meanings\"><\/span>Graduation Tassel Colors and Their Meanings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>College tassel colors are related to your field of study under the American Council on Education&#8217;s Academic Costume Code. The following chart covers all ACE-recognized discipline colors.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Color<\/td><td>Discipline<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maize<\/td><td>Agriculture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>White&nbsp;<\/td><td>Letters, Arts, Humanities<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Drab (Tan)<\/td><td>Commerce, Accountancy, Business<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lilac<\/td><td>Dentistry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Copper<\/td><td>Economics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Light Blue<\/td><td>Education<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Orange<\/td><td>Engineering&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Brown<\/td><td>Fine Arts, Architecture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Russet<\/td><td>Fortestry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Crimson<\/td><td>Journalism<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Purple<\/td><td>Law<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lemon Yellow<\/td><td>Library Science<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Green<\/td><td>medicine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pink<\/td><td>Music<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Apricot<\/td><td>Nursing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Silver Gray<\/td><td>Oratary\/ Speech<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Olive Green<\/td><td>Pharmacy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dark Blue<\/td><td>Philosophy (PH.D)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sage Green<\/td><td>Physical Education<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Peacock Blue<\/td><td>Public Administration, Foreign Service<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Salmon Pink<\/td><td>Public Health<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Golden Yellow<\/td><td>Science<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Citron<\/td><td>Social Work<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Scarlet<\/td><td>Theology<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gray<\/td><td>Veterinary Science<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gold (Metallic)<\/td><td>Doctoral degrees \/ highest honors<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>If you want the full breakdown by source, Wikipedia&#8217;s overview of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Academic_dress_in_the_United_States\">academic dress in the United States<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/intercollegiate-registry.org\/revised-intercollegiate-code\/\">Intercollegiate Registry of Academic Costume<\/a> both maintain detailed records of the official color code.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_on_the_Tassel_%E2%80%94_Year_Charms_Signets_Custom_Add-Ons\"><\/span>What&#8217;s on the Tassel \u2014 Year Charms, Signets &amp; Custom Add-Ons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Most tassels include a small metal &#8220;year charm&#8221; or numeral signet (like &#8220;2026&#8221;) slid onto the cord, marking the graduating class. These are usually included with rented or purchased regalia, but plenty of students add in a custom charm, school crest signet, or personalized initial. Some students also pair their tassel with a stole or cord representing honors societies, leadership roles, or cultural affiliations. If you&#8217;re curious how those differ from the tassel itself, here&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/what-is-a-graduation-stole\/\">what a graduation stole means<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Wear_the_Tassel_Correctly\"><\/span>How to Wear the Tassel Correctly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>If you are facing issues with your tassel, here are a few quick fixes:<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>If it keeps sliding to the back, loop it once around the button before letting it drop.<\/li>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<li>If your cap won&#8217;t stay level, secure it with bobby pins through the fabric, not just the elastic band.<\/li>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<li>Keep the cord straight rather than twisted so the color reads clearly in photos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Looking to make the cap itself more &#8220;you&#8221;? Browsing <a href=\"http:\/\/callie.com\/gift-ideas\/graduation-cap-decoration-ideas\/\">graduation cap decoration ideas<\/a> can help you balance personal flair with your school&#8217;s regalia rules.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Tassel_Mistakes_and_How_to_Avoid_Them\"><\/span>Common Tassel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Moving it too early.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Moving the tassel before the official cue is one of the most common (and most photographed) graduation tassel mistakes.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>Wearing the wrong color.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>A few days before your graduation, make sure to confirm your discipline&#8217;s color with your registrar. Some schools do not follow the ACE standard.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>Putting it on the wrong side for your degree level.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>This is most important. Always remember that master&#8217;s and doctoral candidates generally start on the left, not the right.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>Letting it get tangled in the cap&#8217;s elastic.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>You are confident, look good, but the tangled tassel may make you look weird in the photographs. Therefore, smooth it out before lining up so it hangs cleanly for photos.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>Forgetting it&#8217;s attached to a rented cap.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>If your gown is a rental, check if the tassel needs to be returned with it.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"After_Graduation_What_to_Do_with_Your_Tassel\"><\/span>After Graduation: What to Do with Your Tassel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Once the ceremony ends, the tassel tends to land in a drawer. And this is honestly a shame, given everything it represents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>A few keepsake ideas worth considering are as follows:<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Preserve it in the form of a shadow-box framing alongside your diploma or a class photo for a wall display.<\/li>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<li>Get an encased pendant or charm keepsakes made. This preserves the tassel (or its year charm) in a wearable, everyday piece rather than a box in storage. <a href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/graduation\">Callie&#8217;s graduation<\/a> keepsake pieces are designed specifically for this, check out the collection now.<\/li>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<li>Convert it in a bookmark or ornament. Simple DIY options can work if you want to keep it visible without a big display.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re shopping for someone else&#8217;s big day instead, a tassel keepsake pairs naturally with other<a href=\"https:\/\/callie.com\/gift-ideas\/best-graduation-gifts\/\"> best graduation gifts<\/a>, and a few well-chosen<a href=\"http:\/\/callie.com\/gift-ideas\/graduation-quotes\/\"> graduation quotes<\/a> make a thoughtful card to go with it.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_side_does_the_tassel_go_on_before_graduation\"><\/span>Which side does the tassel go on before graduation?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>For high school and bachelor&#8217;s degrees, the right side. Master&#8217;s and doctoral candidates usually wear it on the left from the start.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_do_you_move_the_tassel_from_right_to_left\"><\/span>When do you move the tassel from right to left?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>At the moment your degree is officially conferred. You can do this either as a collective class motion or individually as you cross the stage, depending on your school&#8217;s tradition.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_the_tassel_colors_mean\"><\/span>What do the tassel colors mean?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Each color corresponds to an academic discipline under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acenet.edu\/Programs-Services\/Pages\/Regalia-Redirect.aspx\">American Council on Education&#8217;s Academic Costume Code<\/a>, for example, purple for law, green for medicine, and orange for engineering.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_masters_students_wear_the_tassel_on_the_left\"><\/span>Why do master&#8217;s students wear the tassel on the left?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Because the right-to-left &#8220;turning&#8221; ritual symbolizes the shift from candidate to graduate. Since master&#8217;s and doctoral students have typically already lived this transition at the bachelor&#8217;s level, their tassel stays on the left throughout.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_year_charm_on_a_graduation_tassel\"><\/span>What is the year charm on a graduation tassel?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>A small metal numeral or charm (like the graduation year) attached to the tassel cord, marking the specific class.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_keep_my_graduation_tassel\"><\/span>Can I keep my graduation tassel?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Yes, tassels are typically yours to keep even if the rest of your gown is rented, though it&#8217;s worth double-checking your rental agreement.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_gold_tassels_for_honors_students\"><\/span>Are gold tassels for honors students?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>Often, yes. Many schools reserve metallic gold tassels for doctoral graduates or top honors recipients, though policies vary by institution.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_color_tassel_is_for_valedictorian\"><\/span>What color tassel is for valedictorian?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p>There&#8217;s no single ACE-standard color for valedictorians. It&#8217;s set individually by each high school or university, so check your school&#8217;s commencement guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your graduation cap has this cute swinging tassel, but do you know it has a unique traditional aspect that most of us don&#8217;t know about? If you don&#8217;t know on which side this tassel hangs, you will appear \u201cgraduate\u201d in front of the audience even before the ceremony begins. To avoid any such accidents, our [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1197,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Which Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We have covered how to wear the tassel correctly, the meanings of different colors, and the proper ways to use it after the ceremony.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Which Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We have covered how to wear the tassel correctly, the meanings of different colors, and the proper ways to use it after the ceremony.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Share Gift Ideas to Help Your Gift Giving-Callie blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-26T03:33:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-01T07:20:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/blog-banner-5.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2508\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1672\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Habban Raza\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Habban Raza\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/\",\"name\":\"Which Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/blog-banner-5.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-26T03:33:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-01T07:20:43+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7af3f1f2088830fd4a08dfc013128d16\"},\"description\":\"We have covered how to wear the tassel correctly, the meanings of different colors, and the proper ways to use it after the ceremony.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/blog-banner-5.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/blog-banner-5.png\",\"width\":2508,\"height\":1672,\"caption\":\"graduation tassel\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/graduation-tassel\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/ie.callie.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Which Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On? 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