In the name of social distancing, this year’s graduation ceremonies have deviated from the norm. Students of all ages are attending commencements from their couches and accepting virtual diplomas over Zoom meeting screens.

Despite the pandemic, however, one tradition has persisted—the square graduation cap, commonly known as a mortarboard hat. (Related: Why 2020 graduates face a graduation like no other.)

Although the four-cornered, tasseled black cap is now synonymous with academic accomplishments, it hasn’t always been a part of the scholarly tradition. In fact, the iconic brim was once nearly replaced by a squat chef’s hat.

European scholars have been wearing caps since the first universities were established in the 11th century, but their early caps looked more like Amelia Earhart’s