Why is America Celebrating a Graduation with an Official School Ceremony While in Italy We Simply Take the Certificate in an Office?

The cultural and historical context of a nation often shapes its educational and social practices significantly. In America, graduating with an official school ceremony is a norm, celebrated with pomp and circumstance. However, in Italy, the tradition is quite different, as the post-war era in Italy was a period of great change and disillusionment with ceremonial traditions. Let's explore why this difference exists and what it tells about the two countries.

Historical and Cultural Background

Italy's Post-War History: Before delving into the current practices, it's important to look at the historical roots of these divergent traditions. Post-World War II Italy was a time of great change and reflection. Most of the lawmakers in the newly established Republic of Italy (since 1946) had lived through the Fascist dictatorship which, under Benito Mussolini, brought about a series of destructive policies and deeply ingrained ceremonies as part of its ideological agenda. A significant portion of the Italian population felt a deep aversion towards these ceremonial practices, due to the waste and destruction brought by the alliance with Nazi Germany during the war.

Ceremonial Traditions in Fascist Italy: The Fascist regime was known for its rigorous and often oppressive ceremonial rituals. Children from a young age were enrolled in organizations that promoted a rigid conformity and group identity. This included participating in political rallies, donning uniforms, and engaging in military-like parades. These practices were deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness, and thus, the post-war generation sought to move away from such formal and orchestrated traditions.

Post-War Attitude Towards Ceremonies

Ceremonial Practices Post-World War II: The post-war period in Italy was a time of national reconstruction and a rejection of many of the pre-war norms, including ceremonial practices. For most of the population, the experience of the war and the Fascist regime was one of devastation and loss. In the wake of these events, the focus shifted towards rebuilding the nation on a more democratic and less centralized ideology. This sentiment translated into a general aversion towards collective ceremonial rites, with the notable exception of those related to the anti-fascist resistance and the victims of war crimes.

Differences in Graduation Celebrations

American Graduation Traditions: In contrast, the United States has a long-standing tradition of celebrating graduation with formal ceremonies. These events often involve formal attire, speeches by prominent figures, and the symbolic tossing of tassels. The American approach emphasizes individual achievement within a communal setting, promoting unity and pride among students and their families.

Italian Graduation Practices: Post-war Italy took a different path. Graduation celebrations are more subdued and often a more personal affair. For university degrees, the final dissertation defense is considered a private event, discussed individually with supervisors. Upon completion, the newly graduated student typically wears a laurel crown rather than a formal academic gown. The official certificate is usually obtained from an office, often accompanied by a photograph taken with the crown.

Conclusion

While both cultures value education and individual achievement, the way they choose to recognize these milestones differs significantly. The American tradition of collective celebration enforces a sense of community and shared success, while the Italian approach emphasizes the personal and individual nature of the accomplishment. Understanding these differences provides insight into cultural values and the influence of historical context on modern societal practices.

Keywords: graduation ceremony, cultural differences, education system