{"id":18982,"date":"2025-07-28T16:43:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T20:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/?p=18982"},"modified":"2025-07-28T16:43:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T20:43:45","slug":"laurel-crowns-pranks-and-prosecco-how-italy-does-college-graduation-college-graduation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/laurel-crowns-pranks-and-prosecco-how-italy-does-college-graduation-college-graduation\/","title":{"rendered":"Laurel Crowns, Pranks, and Prosecco: How Italy Does College Graduation College graduation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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By Gabriel Harmetz\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>

In the U.S., graduation is a solemn parade of speeches, robes, and tassel flips. But in Italy, la laurea is anything but solemn. It\u2019s equal parts academic milestone, ancient ritual, and public roast\u2014with laurel crowns, prosecco toasts, and plenty of good-humored humiliation.<\/span><\/p>

The most iconic symbol is the corona d\u2019alloro, a fresh laurel wreath worn by every new graduate\u2014dottore or dottoressa, as they are all called\u2014after they have successfully defended their thesis. This tradition dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome, when laurels signified victory and intellect. Today, they\u2019re adorned with red ribbons, berries, and department-specific charms. Friends might pluck a leaf for good luck, hoping it brings them closer to their own graduation.<\/span><\/p>

The academic process itself is no walk in the park. Italian students must orally defend their thesis (tesi di laurea) in front of a faculty panel\u2014often with friends and family watching. It\u2019s a rigorous grilling that ends with a final score out of 110 (with 110 e lode being the highest). Once the committee proclaims the degree, the fun\u2014and the chaos\u2014begin.<\/span><\/p>

The most outrageous and important tradition is the papiro, a massive handmade poster created in secret by friends. Written in rhyming verse (often in dialect), it recounts the graduate\u2019s most embarrassing stories, romantic disasters, and personal quirks. The new graduate is forced to read it aloud in a crowded public square\u2014stumbling, laughing, and often pausing to drink or sing when prompted. Some friends post the papiro around town for maximum exposure.<\/span><\/p>

In places like Padova and Venice, papiri line riversides and student squares. Padova\u2019s traditions are especially rowdy\u2014there, graduates jump a ceremonial chain at Palazzo Bo to mark their exit from student life. In Bologna, the oldest university in the world, students chant \u201cDottore, dottore!\u201d while playfully kicking the graduate through the city streets.<\/span><\/p>

Graduates are also dressed in outlandish costumes: wigs, superhero outfits, clown gear. Friends might douse them with flour, eggs, or shaving cream, or assign them bizarre tasks\u2014reciting tongue twisters, eating raw garlic, or impersonating professors.<\/span><\/p>

Each city has its own graduation superstitions, too:<\/span><\/p>