If you're planning your graduation outfit, the corona del laureato is probably high on your list of priorities. It's that iconic laurel wreath that has become the universal symbol of finishing a degree, especially if you have any ties to Italian academic traditions. There's something incredibly satisfying about swapping that heavy backpack for a ring of fresh greenery. It's not just a prop for Instagram; it's a tradition that goes back centuries, and honestly, you haven't truly graduated until you've struggled to keep one of these balanced on your head while popping a bottle of prosecco.
The deep roots of the laurel tradition
You might wonder why we still walk around with bushes on our heads in the 21st century. The whole thing dates back to ancient Rome and Greece. Back then, the laurel was associated with Apollo, the god of wisdom and the arts. If you were a great poet or a victorious general, you got a wreath. Fast forward a few thousand years, and that same "laurel" gave us the word "laureate" and the Italian word for graduation, laurea.
Wearing a corona del laureato today feels like a nod to that history, even if most of us are more worried about our GPA than our Roman lineage. It's a rite of passage. In Italy, it's almost mandatory. You walk out of the university doors after defending your thesis, and your friends or family are waiting there to crown you. It's the moment the stress of the last three to five years finally evaporates.
Picking the right leaves for your crown
Not all wreaths are created equal. If you go to a florist, they'll usually ask you what kind of look you're going for. The classic choice is Laurus nobilis—the noble laurel. These are the thick, dark green, waxy leaves that smell amazing and stay fresh for a long time.
But lately, people have been getting a bit more creative. Some folks like to mix in some eucalyptus for a softer, more modern vibe. Others go for "alloro schizzato," which has those little red berries or variegated leaves. If you want something that lasts forever, you can even find preserved or silk versions, but there's something special about the scent of fresh laurel that you just can't replicate. It smells like victory (and maybe a little bit like a Sunday roast, but let's stick with victory).
Adding a splash of color with ribbons
The green of the corona del laureato is the base, but the ribbon is where you get to show off your specific achievement. In the Italian tradition, every faculty has its own designated color. If you're graduating in Medicine, you're looking at a red ribbon. Law students usually go with blue, while Economics graduates often sport yellow.
If you aren't sure which color fits your degree, red is the "safe" universal choice for all graduates. It represents the "Power of the Mind" or something equally fancy, but mostly, it just looks great against the green leaves. Some people like to go overboard with the ribbon, leaving long tails that flow down their back, while others prefer a neat, tight bow. It's totally up to your personal style.
Does size actually matter?
When it comes to the corona del laureato, size is definitely a factor. You've got the minimalist crowns that are thin and sleek—these are great if you're wearing a really bold outfit and don't want the headpiece to take over. Then you've got the "maximalist" crowns. These are thick, bushy, and heavy. They look impressive in photos, but be warned: they can be a bit of a workout for your neck muscles.
You also have to consider the "fit." A crown that's too big will slide down over your eyebrows, making you look like a very educated forest sprite. Too small, and it'll just sit awkwardly on top of your head like a tiny green halo. Most florists will ask for a rough head measurement, or they'll make the back adjustable with a ribbon tie so you can cinch it perfectly.
DIY vs. Florist-made: What's the move?
If you're on a budget or just feeling crafty, you might think about making your own corona del laureato. It's definitely possible, but it's a lot more work than it looks. You need a sturdy wire base, a ton of floral tape, and a seemingly endless supply of laurel branches.
The trick is layering. You have to overlap the leaves so you don't see the wire underneath. It's a great project for a group of friends the night before the ceremony, though maybe don't do it after too many glasses of wine, or your crown might end up looking more like a bird's nest.
On the other hand, buying one from a pro usually costs anywhere from 30 to 60 Euros. It's a bit of an investment for something you'll wear for one day, but they know how to secure the leaves so they don't wilt or fall off while you're being hugged by every relative you've ever met.
How to wear it without it falling off
This is the part nobody tells you about. A corona del laureato isn't a hat; it doesn't have a chin strap. If you've got silky hair, that thing is going to want to migrate.
Pro tip: use bobby pins. Hide a few in the back and on the sides to anchor the wire to your hair. Also, try to resist the urge to tilt your head too far back when you're laughing or taking photos. If you're wearing it for a long period, you'll probably forget it's there until you try to walk through a doorway or get into a car and realize you've gained an extra four inches in width.
What to do with the crown afterward?
Once the party is over and the headache from the celebrations has kicked in, you're left with a beautiful but fading corona del laureato. Don't just toss it! Many people choose to dry them. If you hang it upside down in a cool, dry place, the leaves will turn a dusty olive green and become brittle, but they'll keep their shape.
Some people keep their dried crown in a shadow box along with their diploma. Others take a more practical route—since it's actual laurel, you could technically use the leaves for cooking once they're dry. Just make sure the florist didn't spray them with any "shine" chemicals or glitter first. Eating your graduation crown might be the ultimate way to "digest" your education, but maybe stick to store-bought bay leaves for your pasta sauce.
The "Goliardia" and the messy side of things
In some parts of Italy, the corona del laureato is just the beginning. There's a tradition called Goliardia where friends make the graduate do all sorts of ridiculous things. You might see a graduate wearing their crown while being covered in flour, eggs, or wine, or being forced to sing "Dottore, Dottore" at the top of their lungs.
If you know your friends are the prankster type, maybe get a "stunt crown" for the messy parts and keep your nice, expensive florist version safely in the car. There's nothing sadder than a beautiful laurel wreath soaked in cheap beer.
Why it still matters
At the end of the day, the corona del laureato is a symbol of a massive milestone. Whether you're finishing a Bachelor's, a Master's, or a PhD, you've put in the hours, the late nights, and the endless cups of coffee. Putting on that wreath is the physical manifestation of "I did it."
It's one of the few traditions that hasn't really changed over time. Even as universities become more digital and ceremonies move online, the laurel wreath remains. It links you to all the students who came before you, and it makes for the best profile picture you'll ever have. So, wear it with pride, even if it's a bit itchy or keeps slipping into your eyes. You earned it.