Italian graduates wear laurel wreaths at graduation as a nod to ancient Greek and Roman traditions. Modern day Italy is right at the center of what used to be the Greek and Roman empire. In ancient Greece, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and were awarded to athletes, poets, and scholars. Similarly, the Romans used them to honor military and intellectual achievements. The tradition carried into the academic world during the Middle Ages, especially in Italy, where universities began adopting the laurel as a symbol of scholarly accomplishment. The Italian word laureato (graduate) literally means “crowned with laurel,” and even the English term “baccalaureate” comes from the Latin bacca lauri, meaning laurel berry.
These traditions are all closely connected to the environment, especially the vibrant culture of Italy’s historic university towns like Bologna and Padua. The University of Bologna has an especially long history. It was founded in 1088 and is the oldest university in Europe.
The long-standing academic traditions, combined with lively student communities, create groups that spill into the streets, making public celebration a natural extension of university life. The use of laurel wreaths, confetti poppers, and loud celebrations reflects the blending of Italy’s classical heritage with its outgoing, expressive social atmosphere.
