Meaning of the SashMeaning of the Sash | Custom Sash
Meaning of the Sash
Graduation Sashes (which is synonymous with graduation stoles) have a long history. Sashes date back to medieval times, where there was heavy involvement in educational institutions by the Church of England. The beginnings of stoles, gowns, tassels and chords heavily resembled those worn by clergymen.
The main area of distinction in a sash is the color. A color can signify the University that was attended, a persons major or a campus organization. A sash can also signify an honor, achievement or an award. Sashes can signify a students Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Suma Cum Laude status at graduation, however this can also be signified by gown color or by colored tassels. Below are a list of widely recognized colors and majors:
| Agriculture | Maize | |
| Arts, Letters, Humanities | White | |
| Commerce, Accountancy, Business | Drab | |
| Dentistry | Lilac | |
| Economics | Copper | |
| Education | Light Blue | |
| Engineering | Orange | |
| Fine Arts, including Architecture | Brown | |
| Forestry | Russet | |
| Journalism | Crimson | |
| Law | Purple | |
| Library Science | Lemon | |
| Medicine | Green | |
| Music | Pink | |
| Nursing | Apricot | |
| Oratory (Speech) | Silver Gray | |
| Pharmacy | Olive Green | |
| Philosophy | Dark Blue | |
| Physical Education | Sage Green | |
| Public Administration, including Foreign Service | Peacock Blue | |
| Public Health | Salmon Pink | |
| Science | Golden Yellow | |
| Social Work | Citron | |
| Theology | Scarlet | |
| Veterinary Science | Gray |
Today sashes are most commonly made as a timeline of your college experience. To show the allegiances and friends you have made over your 4 years as an undergraduate and to wear them proudly on your graduation day. A sash usually includes at the very least the year of graduation (class of 20**). The second most common item is a school name or major or both. The third most common item is a name of your club or organization.
