The graduation laurel wreath: meaning, history and tradition

The graduation laurel wreath is much more than an accessory to wear during the ceremony. It is a symbol that spans centuries of history and still represents merit, knowledge and the achievement of a milestone.

But why laurel? And where did the tradition of crowning graduates begin? To understand it, we need to return to the classical world.

The meaning of laurel in antiquity

Laurel, or Laurus nobilis, was already a plant with strong symbolic significance in ancient Greece and Rome. It was associated with glory, victory and excellence and was used to make wreaths for people who had achieved particularly important things.

In classical culture, laurel is also linked to Apollo, a deity associated with, among other things, the arts and knowledge. Over time, the laurel wreath became a recognisable image of success achieved through ability and merit.

Why is a laurel wreath worn at graduation?

The connection between laurel and graduation is so strong that it is reflected in the Italian language. The words laurea and laureato recall the Latin laurea and laureatus, terms linked to laurel and the idea of being crowned with this plant.

Wearing a laurel wreath at the end of your studies therefore symbolically celebrates reaching a goal through study, commitment and knowledge.

The graduation wreath tradition in Italy

In Italy, the laurel wreath has become one of the most recognisable elements of graduation day. After the degree is awarded, the new graduate wears it for photographs and celebrations and often keeps it as a memento.

The tradition has evolved, however: alongside the classic wreath made mainly of laurel leaves, personalised compositions have emerged with ribbons, flowers, berries and other decorative details. If you are choosing yours, see our complete guide to choosing a laurel wreath.

Does the ribbon colour have a meaning?

Red and burgundy are among the most widely used colours for graduation wreaths, but today there is much more freedom when choosing a ribbon. Some people choose a colour associated with their faculty or course, while others simply prefer a shade that represents the graduate or complements their outfit for the ceremony.

This is why personalising the ribbon has become one of the simplest ways to turn a traditional wreath into something personal. Find out more in our guide to graduation ribbon colours.

Flowers and decorations: tradition and personalisation

Roses, baby's breath, lagurus, berries and other elements can be placed among the leaves to give the composition its character. The aim is not to replace the symbolism of laurel, but to enhance it and adapt it to the style of the person who will wear it.

A wreath can therefore remain very classic or become more floral and elaborate. There is no single rule: tradition provides the symbol, while personalisation makes it your own. You can see some examples in the Elaborate Laurel Wreaths collection.

Why keep your wreath after graduation?

Many people keep their wreath because it gives a tangible form to a moment that is difficult to capture in a single object: the end of their studies and the start of a new chapter.

Fresh laurel naturally changes in appearance and colour over time. This does not diminish its symbolic value; on the contrary, for many people the wreath becomes a keepsake to store alongside photographs, their dissertation and other objects from the day. If you would like to preserve it, read how to keep your laurel wreath after graduation.

An ancient tradition that keeps evolving

The strength of the laurel wreath probably lies in its ability to bring together two things: an ancient tradition and the chance to express someone's personality through a contemporary composition.

At Corone Laureae, we handcraft laurel wreaths with laurel at the heart of the composition, using ribbons, flowers and details to personalise them. Each wreath accompanies a different milestone, but its meaning remains what laurel has represented for centuries: merit, knowledge and achievement.

If you would like to move from history to choosing a design, you can compare all our graduation laurel wreaths, from the most classic to elaborate compositions.