Degree ceremonies were held in the 11th century at the medieval universities of Paris and Bologna after an apprentice completed his training, according to the Swinburne University of Technology. After being taught from masters of a particular craft, the apprentice became a teacher and artisan after the ceremony was completed and he received a testimonial of skill, now called a degree. In 12th century Europe, Catholic monks held commencement ceremonies when they completed their scholastic studies.
The graduation gown originated with the 12th century monks who donned cappa clausas, large sleeveless cloaks worn over a gown with an opening in the front for the wearer's hands. The popularity of this dress was limited. Hoods and liripipes, long capes that cover the shoulder, were worn by many university graduates, but by the 15th century, the hood was kept down and the liripipe put down the back. By the 16th century, the cappa clausas and similar garments were abandoned in favor of just the inner gown, which was open in front and had long sleeves.
Graduation ceremonies act as a rite of passage for students and scholars, marking the end of years of hard work. The ceremony acts as a completed milestone -- the student can now move on to the next stage of his life with pride. Commencement events also provide a tangible ceremony where friends and family can appreciate a graduate's work, as they have likely supported the graduate through his studies. This is also traditionally where graduates receive their diplomas, although some universities mail the official document to graduates after the ceremony.
Gown colors often signify the type of degree a graduate is receiving at the ceremony. Although the colors vary by university and have changed throughout the centuries, black is now often worn by those receiving a bachelor's while those receiving a master's wear a different color. College chancellors often carry a thick stick called a mace, which acts as a symbol of authority and protection. European graduates mainly wear class rings as a lucky charm and as a symbol of entering adulthood.