Who would have thought that a simple woollen sheet, artfully draped around the body, could span the centuries and become the symbol par excellence of the intellect? The university gownthe symbol of antiquity, has taken on many forms and many meanings over the years. While the Romans wore it to show their rank and citizenship, today's young graduates wear it to celebrate the end of their studies.
From ancient Rome to the great universities of today, the toga has never ceased to fascinate. Beneath its austere exterior, it holds many secrets and many stories. Behind each fold, behind each colour, lies a rich and complex symbolism, a heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation.
So get ready for a journey back in time, to discover a garment that is much more than just a piece of clothing; it is a true witness to the history of ideas and culture.
Origins of University Toges
The University Toga in Ancient Rome: A Symbol of Citizenship and Power
The toga, far from being a simple garment, was at the heart of Roman identity. It distinguished the free citizen from the slave and marked membership of the political community. Its shape, colour and material varied according to the wearer's social status and age. Senators, magistrates and emperors wore specific togas, testifying to their power and authority. Over and above its sartorial aspect, the toga was a genuine outward sign of Roman citizenship, a way of standing out and asserting one's membership of a community. The history of the university gown shows how this tradition of dress has evolved over the centuries, becoming a symbol of academic success and distinction in modern universities.
The legacy of the university gown in the academic world
It was from this rich Roman tradition that the first medieval universities drew their inspiration. By adopting the toga, academics linked themselves to a glorious past and became part of a historical continuity. The university toga thus became a symbol of the transmission of knowledge and of belonging to an intellectual community.
The evolution of symbolism
While the university gown has retained the essence of its Roman origins, it has also evolved over the centuries. Initially a sign of social distinction, it has become a symbol of knowledge and research. The colour white, often associated with purity and wisdom, has replaced the bright colours of the Roman gown. Ornaments and embroidery have also evolved, reflecting the tastes and fashions of each era.
The Evolution of the University Gown: Between Tradition and Modernity
The university gown, a vestige of a long tradition dating back to Roman antiquity, has survived the centuries by transforming itself and adapting to changes in society. Initially a symbol of status and power, this garment has become a strong marker of identity within university communities. Its evolution is closely linked to the history of ideas, institutions and lifestyles.
Nowadays, the different types of university gown show this evolution, each with its own characteristics and symbolisms, reflecting the changes and continuities in academic history.
From ancient origins to modern standardisation
The roots of the university gown go back to antiquity, when it was a distinctive sign of Roman citizenship. The history of the university gown shows how, adopted by the first medieval universities, it was gradually transformed into a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. The Renaissance marked a period of great diversity, with each university developing its own dress codes. The 19th century was marked by a desire for uniformity, under the influence of the nation states.
The Toga through the prism of social movements
In the 20th century, the toga became a key issue in student movements. It was a symbol of both protest and tradition, sparking passionate debate about its meaning and function. Students often turned its meaning on its head, transforming it into a tool for social and political protest.
The toga and globalisation
Globalisation has led to a diversification of gown designs, reflecting the cultural diversity of students. Each country and each university has adapted the gown to its own traditions and identity. This diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity to preserve the uniqueness of each institution, while strengthening the sense of belonging to a global university community.
The toga and the challenges of the 21st century
The 21st century poses new challenges for the university gown:
- Customisation : New technologies are enabling greater customisation of gowns, giving students the chance to create unique and original designs.
- Ecology : Demand for more sustainable products is driving gown manufacturers to develop eco-friendly models, using recycled or organically grown materials.
- Inclusion: The toga must evolve to reflect a more inclusive society, with models to suit all morphologies and gender identities.
- Digital : The creation of digital togas, in the form of avatars or NFTs, opens up new possibilities for self-expression and socialisation within university communities.
Future prospects
The university gown is a living symbol that continues to evolve. It is both a link with the past and an open door to the future. By adapting to the challenges of our time, the toga can continue to play an important role in shaping student identity and promoting university values.
The university gown, a vestige of a long tradition, is much more than just a garment. The history of the university gown shows that the colours of which it is composed convey a rich and complex symbolism, linked to the history of the universities, the different academic disciplines and cultural values. In this study, we will explore the different facets of this symbolism, drawing on concrete examples and proposing new perspectives.
The meaning of colours in university gowns
The university gown, a vestige of a long tradition, is much more than just a garment. The colours of which it is composed convey a rich and complex symbolism, linked to the history of universities, the different academic disciplines and cultural values. In this study, we explore the different facets of this symbolism, drawing on concrete examples and proposing new perspectives.
Traditional colours and their meanings
- Black: Symbolising knowledge, wisdom and authority, black is the dominant colour on many gowns. It also evokes the sobriety and gravity of the academic world.
- Red : Associated with the social sciences and law, red symbolises passion, energy and strength. It can also evoke tradition and heritage.
- Blue: Linked to science and literature, blue evokes serenity, knowledge and infinity. It also represents stability and confidence.
- Green : Associated with the life sciences and medicine, green symbolises hope, renewal and nature. It can also evoke growth and development.
- Purple: Linked to spirituality and wisdom, purple is often used for faculties of theology or philosophy. It also symbolises royalty and dignity.
The evolution of colours and contemporary issues
- Influence of social movements : Student movements have sometimes challenged traditional colour codes, proposing alternatives that are more inclusive and representative of student diversity.
- Adapting to new disciplines : The emergence of new disciplines (computer science, environmental science, etc.) has necessitated the creation of new colour codes.
- Personalisation and individualisation : New technologies allow students to personalise their gowns, choosing colour combinations that are original and meaningful to them.
Colours and university identity
- Identity marks : The colours of the gowns help to forge a university's visual identity, reinforcing its image and distinguishing it from other institutions.
- Belonging to a community : Wearing the toga creates a sense of belonging to a university community, strengthening the bonds between students.
Colours and academic rituals
- Graduation ceremonies : The colours of the gowns play an essential role in graduation ceremonies, marking the different stages of the academic journey and adding a symbolic dimension to the event.
- Initiation rituals : Colours can be used to differentiate students according to their year of study, their course of study or their responsibilities within the university.
Colours and contemporary trends
- Fashion and design : The colour codes for the gowns are influenced by fashion trends and new design techniques.
- Sustainability and ecology : Universities are increasingly aware of environmental issues, which can lead to the use of natural dyes and recycled materials for gowns.
Future prospects
- Integration of new technologies : The development of virtual reality and artificial intelligence could open up new possibilities for personalising the colours of gowns and creating immersive experiences.
- Colours and inclusions : Universities will need to continue to think about how colours can be used to promote inclusion and diversity.
The significance of colours in university gowns is a rich and complex subject that deserves to be explored from a number of different angles. By understanding the historical, cultural and symbolic issues associated with colours, we can better understand the role of the gown in the construction of university identity and in the transmission of knowledge.
Academic traditions: The central role of the toga and its symbols
The Graduation Ceremony: A rite of passage
The graduation ceremony is much more than just a formality. It's a rite of passage marking the end of a cycle and the opening up of new horizons. The importance of the University gownas the central element of this ceremony, is particularly significant.
The Toge: A uniform of success and belonging
- Symbol of an accomplished career: The university gown is the visual embodiment of academic success, testifying to the efforts and sacrifices made to achieve this goal.
- The mark of a community: By wearing the same gown, graduates feel united by a shared experience, reinforcing their sense of belonging to a university community.
- Preparation for the world of work: The toga introduces future graduates to the professional world by familiarising them with a certain protocol and preparing them to adopt a more formal attitude.
Geographical and cultural variations
Graduation ceremonies are deeply rooted in local cultures and traditions.
- Europe: European ceremonies are often marked by rigorous formality, with solemn processions and traditional speeches. British universities, for example, are renowned for their lavish ceremonies, with graduates wearing peaked hats.
- United States: American ceremonies are generally more focused on festivities and individual celebration. Graduates are encouraged to express their personality and joy.
- Asia: Ceremonies in Asia are often influenced by Confucian traditions, emphasising respect for elders and recognition of the family.
Symbols associated with the toga
The Hat: Crown of Wisdom
- The square: Symbolises rationality, stability and the solidity of acquired knowledge.
- The round one: Represents infinity, suggesting that learning is a continuous, never-ending process.
- The tip: Evokes the aspiration towards higher knowledge and academic excellence.
The Scarf: Banner of achievement
- The colours: The colours of the sashes are carefully chosen to represent different faculties, specialities or honours.
- The reasons: The motifs can refer to the history of the university, local symbols or values specific to a discipline.
Le Cordon: the common thread of success
- The materials: The cords are often made of silk or noble materials, symbolising the value of the knowledge acquired.
- Colours and knots: The colours and knots of the cords can have specific meanings, linked to honours, community commitments or particular academic achievements.
Contemporary developments in the toga
- Customisation: Students are increasingly inclined to personalise their gowns, adding brooches, badges or personal accessories to reflect their individuality.
- Sustainability: Universities are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are seeking to make their graduation ceremonies more sustainable, by using gowns made from recycled materials or reducing their energy consumption.
- Inclusion: Academic institutions are striving to make ceremonies more inclusive, taking into account the different cultures and identities of students.
The university gown is much more than just a piece of clothing; it is a powerful symbol, steeped in history and full of meaning. It embodies academic success, belonging to a community and the transmission of values. As it has evolved over time, the toga remains a central part of graduation ceremonies, uniting generations and marking an important turning point in students' lives.
University gowns around the world
The university gown, although a universal symbol of academic success, takes on different forms and meanings in different countries and cultures. This diversity reflects the historical, cultural and social particularities of each nation.
Different traditions in different countries
Anglo-Saxon countries
Anglo-Saxon countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have developed strong academic traditions around the toga.
- The specifics of graduation ceremonies: Ceremonies are generally very solemn and follow a precise protocol. They are often held in large auditoriums or in the open air, with many guests taking part.
- The most common types of gown: Gowns are generally black, with coloured scarves representing the different faculties. Hats, often square or round, are also very common. American universities tend to have more personalised ceremonies, with variations in gown styles and accessories.
Continental countries
Continental European countries have a wide variety of academic traditions, influenced by their history and culture.
- The influence of national traditions on gown designs: Gown designs are often influenced by a country's traditional costumes. In Germany, for example, gowns can be reminiscent of medieval university dresses.
- The particularities of French, German and Spanish universities...
- France: French ceremonies are marked by a certain formality, with solemn processions and traditional speeches. Gowns are generally black, with coloured scarves representing the different faculties.
- Germany: German universities often have very old traditions, and the ceremonies are often very solemn. Gowns are generally black, with decorative elements specific to each university.
- Spain: Spanish ceremonies are often more festive, with traditional songs and dances. Gowns can be different colours, depending on the university.
Common elements and contemporary developments
- Common elements: Despite cultural differences, certain characteristics are common to all academic traditions linked to the toga: the symbolism of success, the feeling of belonging to a community, and the transmission of values.
- Contemporary developments: Academic traditions evolve over time. Universities are looking to make graduation ceremonies more inclusive, taking into account the diversity of students and incorporating more modern elements.
The university gown, although a universal symbol of academic success, takes on different forms and meanings in different countries and cultures. The history of the university gown shows that this diversity reflects the richness and complexity of academic traditions around the world. By studying these different traditions, we can better understand the importance of the graduation ceremony in the lives of students and academic institutions.
The influence of university togas on fashion
The university gown, originally conceived as a ceremonial garment, has exerted a significant influence over the centuries on the evolution of fashion. Its clean lines, noble materials and strong symbolism have made it an inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers.
From academic dress to evening wear
Inspiration from haute couture
Haute couture designers have often drawn on the academic world to create sophisticated and elegant collections. The characteristic elements of the toga, such as draping, capes and high collars, have been reinterpreted and modernised to create timeless silhouettes.
- The 20s: The evening dresses of the 1920s, with their straight lines and flowing drapes, were directly inspired by antique togas.
- The 40s: The structured shoulders and marked waistbands of 1940s dresses recall the lines of the university gown.
- Contemporary haute couture: Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Cristobal Balenciaga regularly used elements borrowed from the toga in their collections.
The university gown in popular culture
Beyond haute couture, the toga has also left its mark on popular culture. It has become a symbol of the intellectual, the artist and the mysterious figure.
- The cinema: Many films have used the toga as part of their costume, particularly in historical and fantasy films.
- The music: Musicians, particularly rockers, have often adopted toga-inspired outfits, like the band Queen with their iconic capes.
- Street fashion: The toga also influenced street fashion, with the appearance of capes, long coats and draped dresses.
Elements of the toga reinterpreted in fashion
- Drapery: Draping is one of the most distinctive features of the toga. They add fluidity and elegance to the garments.
- Capes: Capes, inspired by Roman togas, have become a fashion classic, particularly in autumn and winter.
- High collars: High collars, often associated with university gowns, give clothes a sophisticated, timeless look.
- The colours: Dark colours, such as black and navy blue, are traditionally associated with the toga, but contemporary designers don't hesitate to use brighter, more original colours.
Although originally a ceremonial garment, the university gown has had a profound and lasting influence on the history of fashion. Its clean lines, noble materials and strong symbolism have made it an inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers. Today, the toga continues to inspire designers and remains a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Closing remarks :
The university gown is a precious heritage that links us to our ancestors and projects us into the future. The history of the university gown shows that it is a testament to the permanence of certain values, such as the quest for knowledge, community spirit and respect for tradition. By wearing the toga, students are part of a long history and are helping to shape the future of higher education.
