With the important event of graduation ends the three great ceremonies
of youth. The church and the school have both set their seal upon the
young man and maiden, and the business world and the social world are
waiting to receive them.
In the matter of dress for this important event, the young man is
supposed to confine himself to conventional black with white tie. The
young girl is usually in white, with gloves, shoes, hose and fan to
match.
This, however, depends upon the taste of the class, as they expect to
dress alike, and often select some other delicate shade of color for
the class costume.
Avoid all Extravagance.
There is one thing to be remembered--that is, that too much
extravagance should not be displayed in the selection and adornments
of the gown for the occasion. In the first place, simplicity is the
prerogative of youth. In the second, it is bad taste to overload a
young schoolgirl with expensive materials and lavish ornaments. In the
third, there will always be found in every graduating class one or
more students to whose purse the expenses incident upon the school
course have been a heavy drain, and to whom compliance with the style
of dress worn by other members of the class will mean a serious strain
upon the home exchequer, or the incurring of a debt for the future,
while to dress as their purse affords requires more self-denial than
an outsider realizes. The slights, the sneers of insolent classmates
have driven more than one sensitive soul to solitude and tears, and
clouded what should have been the bright beginning of life with sorrow
and anger.
Directors of schools have more than once striven to do away with this
abuse of the occasion by prescribing the dress to be worn, but with
poor success, since sumptuary laws are not kindly received in this
free country.
Now, the remedy lies in the hands of the girls themselves, and with
their parents. Let it be once understood that such a display is the
mark of social _parvenus_, of the newly-rich, and the custom will
cease to exist.
Friends bring flowers to the place of graduation which are sent up,
either by the ushers, who are chosen among intimates of the
classmates, or by tiny boys dressed as pages. These floral offerings
have come to be so extensive that the stage is often banked with the
beautiful blossoms. Here, too, is another abuse. To those who have few
friends, and less money, the absence of these remembrances is often so
marked as to cause many a heartache.
Cards with the donor's name and the words, "Congratulations," or
"Graduation Congratulations," penned in one corner, are tied with
narrow ribbons to these gifts. Presents of a more substantial nature
are also sent up; books, watches, jewels, etc., and have a more
lasting remembrance than the fleeting blossoms. One of the prettiest
floral gifts seen on an occasion of graduation was a graceful ship,
white sailed, and lovely, all of fragrant flowers, and full freighted
with the hopes and prayers for the young legal graduate, who was sole
son of the house.
Carriages convey the graduates to and from the hall, and a class
reception is supposed to finish the long round of the gaieties of
"Class Week."
[Illustration]