PhD in Finland requires a hat and a sword, why?

Students from different countries go to study at various universities in Europe and America. Among them, the European country of Finland has an exceptional rule. In the country, the formalities of obtaining a PhD degree end with a tradition. Universities and colleges hand over a specially made black silk hat and a sword to the doctoral degree holders.

Moreover, the grand ‘degree awarding’ ceremony where these are given involves a procession, formal attire, and an ancient-style speech.

The black hat is called a doctoral hat, which symbolizes success and freedom in academic pursuits. All hats are made individually according to personal measurements. Its color changes slightly depending on the subject or faculty. Students in the arts and humanities usually wear a black hat, doctorates in medicine wear green, and doctorates in fine arts wear dark blue hats.

On the other hand, the sword is primarily a symbol of truth, morality, and the defense of knowledge. It is not a weapon of war, but a symbolic instrument to highlight the power of truth and research against lies. All university swords are made in the same design. Many swords have the national emblem of Finland engraved on the hilt.

This cap and sword are worn at the formal 'degree awarding' ceremony, which is an important academic event that has been going on since the 1700s. However, these items are not available from the university for free. Many students buy them themselves, because they are considered a symbol of lifelong academic status.

The price is not low either

A custom-made cap costs about 600 to 1,000 euros (about 64,280 to 1 lakh 7,139 taka in Bangladeshi currency). And the sword costs 250 to 500 euros (about 26,784 to 53,569 taka).

Finland is still one of the few countries in the world where such a lavish doctoral ceremony is still practiced. That is why their PhD graduation ceremony is considered to be the most unique in the world.

News from NDTV.