Hey everyone! Last week I attended a friend’s graduation ceremony at the Complutense University of Madrid, and the atmosphere was amazing! One detail really caught my eye, though: most of the graduates, my friend included, were wearing a orange sash diagonally across their shoulders, with the university’s crest printed on it. After asking my friend, I learned this is a pretty significant part of Spanish university culture, so today I’d like to share what I found out.
In Spanish, this sash is called a Banda de Licenciado or simply Beca, which you can think of as a ’bachelor’s sash’ or ‘academic sash’. It’s not just a decorative accessory; it’s a symbol of completing university studies and earning a bachelor’s degree. During the formal graduation ceremony, the rector or dean personally bestows it upon each graduate, signifying the university’s recognition of their academic achievements. It’s not only an honor but also a cherished memento representing years of youth and hard work, which many graduates treasure for life.
What’s most interesting is why my friend’s sash was orange and not another color. It turns out, the color of the sash directly corresponds to the graduate’s field of study. This color system is generally consistent across Spanish universities, although there might be slight variations for specific programs at certain institutions. For the most part, a standard is followed. Orange, for instance, represents Social and Legal Sciences, so graduates in fields like Law, Economics, Journalism, and Business all wear orange sashes.
The Secret of the Colors: Exclusive Hues for Different Disciplines
I did some research and compiled a simple table about Spanish university academic regalia to help you understand the different colors representing various fields of study for academic regalia at Spanish universities. Take a look and see what color sash corresponds to your major, or the one you plan to apply for!
| Color | Field of Knowledge | Example Majors |
|---|
| Orange | Social and Legal Sciences | Law, Economics, Business, Tourism, Journalism |
| Light Blue | Arts and Humanities | Philosophy, Linguistics, History, Art History |
| Dark Blue | Sciences | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Green | Health Sciences | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine |
| Brown | Engineering and Architecture | Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture |
So, next time you see students during graduation season on the streets of Spain, you can guess their field of study just by the color of their sash! It’s like a silent ‘academic ID.’ I wonder if any forum members here have already graduated. What color was your sash? Feel free to share your embarrassing graduation photos and stories in the comments below!
