What is in a graduation gown?

The hood of the gown had no academic significance, but rather, was used to cover the head during cold weather Photo: The Standard

Last week saw students graduate from Kenyatta and Mt Kenya universities. More Kenyans will be given “the power to read and do all that appertains to this degree” by December, when the mother of all graduations takes place at the Graduation Square, University of Nairobi.

But have you ever wondered why graduations are marked with gowns and mortarboards on the head? And just why do these gowns (mostly pitch-black in colour) sport back hoods?