MassiveMoonHeh Posted February 19 Report Posted February 19 I just read that in Finland, PhD graduates get a awarded a Top Hat and Sword with their degree... The top hat apparently symbolises academic freedom and independence, while the sword represents the responsibility to defend truth and scientific knowledge. So I am fact checking on my favourite Sword forum... @Jussi Ekholm is this true, it seems old world crazy enough to be true but does it really still happen? if it does is there a specific sword you need you get awarded or do you get to chose your own sword? Perhaps nice katana to write off on tax cause it was part of my degree. Or does each university have their own specific sword? Or is it only a specific university? So many questions. If true it might be time for me to do a doctorate in Finland! 🤩 1 1 Quote
Robert S Posted February 20 Report Posted February 20 You'd probably have to learn Finnish, though - apparently one of the more difficult languages to learn! 1 Quote
Jussi Ekholm Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 I believe it is still a custom. I have had few friends who have these swords. I believe they are pretty much always ceremonial swords made by WKC Solingen in Germany: https://www.wkc-shop.de/en/ceremonial-swords-sorted-country/finnland/finnish-doctoral-sword-tohtorinmiekka-finnish-university-crest-options I've never been to university so I have no clue about the doctorates that grant you the sword. I know that universities have different emblems that are engraved on the design. 3 Quote
Robert S Posted February 21 Report Posted February 21 Have to say, I like the almost steam-punk vibe of that graduation uniform, with the sword. Especially on the women. Quote
MassiveMoonHeh Posted February 22 Author Report Posted February 22 18 hours ago, Jussi Ekholm said: I believe it is still a custom. I have had few friends who have these swords. I believe they are pretty much always ceremonial swords made by WKC Solingen in Germany: https://www.wkc-shop.de/en/ceremonial-swords-sorted-country/finnland/finnish-doctoral-sword-tohtorinmiekka-finnish-university-crest-options I've never been to university so I have no clue about the doctorates that grant you the sword. I know that universities have different emblems that are engraved on the design. For all the research you do into this space I reckon we could wrangle up a honorary doctorate for you! 😉 2 Quote
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