Forum Class of 2008 Graduation Thread!

[endless psych]

Originally Posted by bikuki

I'll agree that it is historically, but not in current practices. It was rather hypocritical that in the same ceremony as they were applauding how 14 nationalities were being represented in the ceremony and how wonderfully multicultural they are, there was a very 'Christian' (don't know exactly what denomination) prayer said and we were expected to bow our heads etc for it.

I don't think its nessecarily hypocritical more that its just in line with tradition. The University doesn't conduct most of its business in Latin but thats not an arguement for translating or changing the University song is it?

Graduation ceremonies are by and large ceremonial affairs its why even the newer universities don impractical garb such as mortar boards and gowns to award degrees. People expect a bit of pomp and a bit of harking back to the institutions past.

Obviously its not my place to decide what should or shouldn't offend you but that could be because I didn't even notice if there was a prayer at my graduation ceremony or not? (I assume there was though there was enough singing in Latin...)

[bikuki]

Latin isn't exclusive, though - having a particular religious aspect to a ceremony which is supposed to be inclusive to all of the graduates is. The rest of the ceremony is full of pomposity and tradition - why do they have to include a Catholic prayer?

[Goth_pixie]

You don't have to say the prayer, though. It's just part of the tradition of the ceremony.

I was so jealous of a mate of mine who graduated this year - she rode from it in a horse-drawn carriage.

[endless psych]

Originally Posted by bikuki

Latin isn't exclusive, though - having a particular religious aspect to a ceremony which is supposed to be inclusive to all of the graduates is. The rest of the ceremony is full of pomposity and tradition - why do they have to include a Catholic prayer?

The use of Latin in University ceremonies is almost exclusively to do with religion.

[bikuki]

Latin excludes everyone equally - noone (or at least hardly anyone) uses it anymore, to do with religion or otherwise. A Catholic prayer excludes only those who are not Catholic (or Christian, if you want to be more broad).

[Addy]

Originally Posted by Tacky

Was he the guest that got to wear the colours?

Nope, he was the university chancellor until he died.

Originally Posted by Tacky

Did you get tapped with the hat, that resembles an old pillow? And did you bow?

Yes and yes

[Rhöna of the Rhein]

eee gads, my gown is effin' HUUUGE! Even seriously obese folk would be able to fit their bingo wings into it!

Graduation at 3 o'clock!!!

[Tacky]

Oh the gown.

I remember my dad taking pictures of us all - i graduated the same time as my aunt, which was cool - and i put the hood up and did silly poses, my dad pretended i was graduating from Hogwarts, then i reminded him he was a Tolkien fan, haha!