robes

[mlmnb]

No: HPFGUIDX 21900

Hi Everyone,

Hadn't thought much about the robes until the recent discussions.

For centuries robes were the customary garb of the colleges/universities in
Britain (and other European schools of higher education).

The robes we now wear for graduation ceremonies have their roots in these
robes of long ago.  The hoods that are draped over the robe were orignally
worn for warmth.  The students began adding colors to the ends as a means of
identification.  Those bands of colors began to represent the particular
school and the wearer's major. The higher the degree, the more elaborate the
gown and hood.   The caps also signify rank, class or occupation.  The
mortarboard we now wear for graduation came to be the standard for academia.
Again, the doctoral recipient has a cap of a different and more elaborate
shape.  Side note: the baretta worn by Roman Catholic priests is a
continuation of this medieval practice.

Sorry to get windy on this, but one of my clients is a college and I had
done some research on the subject for their graduation program!

Our wizard friends' culture still relies heavily on ancient ways, not those
of the present, so the robes seem to be a nod to this as well as our
perception of witches/wizards in black garb.

The comment about the Hogwarts students not wearing their robes or uniforms
until getting on the train made me think that they would not want to arouse
suspicion on the platform among muggles.  England is still class conscious
and a muggle would be most curious to know about the unrecognized crest on
the Hogwarts blazers.

Dane, Ravenclaw