Robes (silly question) and more

[frantyck at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 24554

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., katzefan at y... wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., "CJK" <jkaminskaja at c...> wrote:
> > > > Maybe robes are the equivalent of formal wear (like a jacket 
> and tie)
> > > and Hagrid is wearing the equivalent of a T-shirt and jeans?
> > 
> > > Ok, then, if that's the case, why do they wear robes to the 
> QWC ?
> > 
> > Hmm... okay, I'm grasping at straws here. Another theory - 
> Robes are "proper
> > wizards'" clothing. Do we know if Flich's always/ever wearing 
> them? Maybe
> > only acknowledged wizards and witches wear robes, and 
> Hagrid doesn't count
> > as one because he never graduated Hogwarts?
> > 
> > Help me out here, I'm drowning. :)
> > 
> > CJK
> 
> 
> I think you've got a point. Hagrid never graduated from Hogwarts, 
> having been expelled (unjustly, as it turns out) and I'm wondering 
> if the robes are the equivalent of 'Dr.' in front of the name of a 
> PhD graduate - only those who've successfully completed their 
> task/doctorate get 'em.

For someone as large as Hagrid, robes might be a bit of a hindrance, 
especially since he's a gamekeeper, etc. and has to deal with divers 
animals. What does Hagrid wear to Hogwarts dinners? (Sorry, my books 
haven't arrived yet.)

The theory that you earn your robes still holds, although it's a bit 
depressing to think of such blatantly visual signifiers of class and 
status in the small wizarding world. Once again, medieval/early 
modern echoes: each person has his or her place in the social 
structure, and must always dress and behave accordingly.

Where I come from, once boys enter 8th grade, they wear trousers and 
not shorts. It's an eagerly-awaited transition, a small rite of 
manhood. Indeed, after the 8th grade, they must not wear shorts to 
school or on formal occasions. There are comparable rules about 
girls' clothes as well. Perhaps this explains why witches and wizards 
wear robes outdoors, even to the QWC, it's an established social 
habit. Or perhaps it just sets them apart from Muggles, which they 
like.

This window onto wizarding etiquette is fascinating... is there more 
to be said?