University graduation rituals

[cristina]

So, University girl will graduate in two weeks. Lots of celebratory planning underway and we are very excited for her.

I learned today that her university has had a ritual of tossing tortillas instead of their mortarboards (or caps) as the final celebratory moment. I really found that to be a sweet tradition. First, because a flying tortilla will cause less injury than a flying mortarboard. But also, because the University of Arizona's proximity to Mexico (and therefore tortillas abound in Tucson) makes the flying tortilla a rather natural substitute for the deadly flying mortarboard.

Many Mexican-Americans are vehemently opposed to the flying tortillas, as it represents a personal affront. In some cases, it is about the waste of food (to this, I can only say that all graduations waste food, sorry).

But to others, it is an insult to Mexicans. On this second point I am going to get on or off my soapbox and just say "lighten up!" It is the culmination of our (yes, yours and mine) childrens' education. It is their moment to be silly and throw tortillas or Silly String or whatever.

These soon-to-be graduates have spent their last 4 years living almost in Mexico. They have eaten a lot of tortillas. Probably more than they would have wished as poor college students. They are very well aware that it is not a luxury food item. I personally see nothing wrong with the tossing of a tortilla. In any other part of the US you could probably toss some other hated college food item. (Boxes of macaroni and cheese?)

If I had known, or could have, I would have thrown ramen noodles in the air at my graduation from college. Seriously.

So contrary to my usual thoughts... I'm going with the Americans on this one. At least those Americans graduating from the University of Arizona in 2 weeks.

Otherwise, I truly despise the waste of food.

*Off my soapbox*

You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

[bixaorellana]

If you wanted to wade in and suggest an alternative, why not confetti? Lots of confetti is flung in different Mexican celebrations, plus it would a fun thing to fling. Betcha it could be obtained in the school colors, too.

[cristina]

Unfortunately, it is probably a bit late to redesign UofA's graduation at this point. (Although I will likely bring blue and red confetti to Tucson).

I guess what I am trying to say is that the tortilla throwing could be a really positive bridge.

I'm actually a bit sad about the banning of it.

(Mostly, probably, because I have latent issues regarding my lack of permission to toss Ramen noodles.)

[Deleted]

I did not even attend graduation. I was already steaming towards a new life and let them mail me the diploma.

[bjd]

I actually went to mine, but only rented the gown, not the mortarboard. But there was no organized celebration of any kind -- just the walking up on stage to shake hands with the governor-general of Canada and get your diploma. Any celebration was done with family or friends.

I just had a quick look at the university website. It all seems to have changed, or else my memory has dimmed with time. Actually, Jazz and I went to the same place. I wonder if her memories are any different?

[bixaorellana]

You mean, have they dimmed too? ;D

[lagatta]

I don't even remember whether there was a ceremony here (here is Université de Montréal). Think the ceremony is more important in the US. Here getting the degree is important, but not the public celebration.

[hwinpp]

I didn't go because I didn't graduate...

But as far as I know there were never any ritualized celebrations. Could be different now with the introduction of the Europeanized bachelor and masters degrees.

[tillystar]

Here it's usually a family meal after the ceremony. I went to my Mum's graduation it was a really lovely day, but sadly no tortilla throwing.

Like K, I didn't go to my graduation ceremony, for both my bachelors and masters once I handed in the final piece of work I forgot about it till I got the paper in the post.