Douglas Olsen
Portuguese university students have a long tradition of wearing black capes as part of their academic uniform. This uniform is known as the capa e batina and consists of a black cape and a robe worn by church clergy. The tradition is said to have originated nearly 500 years ago at Portugal's oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra, and has become a symbol of academic life for many Portuguese students. While wearing the capa e batina is not a university requirement, it is a requirement for attending certain academic events and plays a significant role in initiation rituals for freshmen, known as praxe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the academic uniform | Capa e batina |
| Origin | The tradition started nearly 500 years ago at Portugal's oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra |
| Purpose | To promote equality in the university, avoid differences between social classes, and symbolise a student's academic journey |
| Events | Jantar do curso, monumental serenades, Queima das Fitas, Festa das Latas, Latada, Cortejo da Queima |
| Rituals | Students are draped in the black cape by their "godfather/godmother" or "padrinho/madrinha" |
| Myths | The cloak should not be washed throughout university as it symbolises the memories collected |
| Other colours | First-year students wear red |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition dates back to the 14th century
The tradition of Portuguese university students wearing black dates back to the 14th century. The academic uniforms that students wear today are referred to as the "capa e batina", which translates to "cape and robe". The cape and robe were traditionally worn by church clergy, and the colour black was chosen because strong colours were forbidden by the Catholic Church, which was responsible for university teaching until the 18th century. The uniform was mandatory between 1718 and 1834 for all students inside the cities.
The capa e batina originated from a tradition that started at Portugal's oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra. The uniform is considered a symbol of equality among students, regardless of social class or family name. It is also used to show respect for the places one is in or the person one is with. For example, the ultimate demonstration of academic respect is laying the cloak on the ground for someone to walk on.
The cape is first draped over freshmen by their "godfather/godmother" or "padrinho/madrinha" during the "jantar do curso" or "serenatas monumentais" events, celebrating the first time they can wear the academic uniform. The cape is then worn throughout their academic journey, with some students choosing to never wear one or wash their cape as it is believed to symbolise the memories collected during their academic life.
The tradition of wearing black capes is an important part of university life in Portugal, with students donning the capa e batina for various academic activities and events.
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It's called 'Capa e Batina'
The black cape and academic uniform worn by Portuguese university students is called the "Capa e Batina". This tradition started nearly 500 years ago at Portugal's oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra. The "Capa e Batina" is a crucial part of the Portuguese academic uniform and is worn with pride by university students.
The "Capa e Batina" consists of a cape ("capa") and a robe ("batina"), similar to those worn by church clergy. The cape is draped over the left shoulder, and the robe is typically black or dark in colour. The uniform is often adorned with badges representing the students' interests, accomplishments, and academic major. While wearing the "Capa e Batina" is not a university requirement, it is mandatory for attending certain academic events organised by the "Associacão Acadêmica", such as the "jantar do curso" dinner event.
The cape is a significant symbol in the academic journey of Portuguese students. During the serenatas monumentais, a traditional event where students gather near the city's cathedral to listen to Portuguese music, freshmen experience a meaningful moment when their "godfather/godmother" drapes the black cape over them for the first time. The cape is believed to represent their academic life and the memories collected throughout their university years. According to tradition, the cape is not to be washed during their time at university; however, this has been clarified by the University of Coimbra, stating that hygiene takes precedence.
The "Capa e Batina" was influenced by the Catholic Church's presence in education until the 18th century. Priests, who taught at universities, dressed in brown and black as strong colours were forbidden. Non-clergy students began to dress similarly, and the need to be identified as university students further solidified this tradition. Between 1718 and 1834, the use of the "Capa e Batina" was mandatory for all students inside certain cities. Today, the uniform continues to be a symbol of equality among students, promoting the idea that "all students are equal".
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It's not mandatory
The tradition of Portuguese university students wearing black capes dates back nearly 500 years, and is known as "Capa e Batina". The cape is a symbol of academic life for many students, and is often gifted to freshmen by their "godfather/godmother" or "padrinho/madrinha" in a ceremony.
Although the tradition is an important part of university life for many students, it is not mandatory. Students are not obligated to participate and can opt never to wear the cape. However, there can be a stigma attached to not joining in, which may lead to social exclusion in some groups. The cape is required for several popular academic events, such as the "jantar do curso", a large-scale dinner event, and the "serenatas monumentais", where students gather near their city's cathedral to listen to traditional music.
The capes are said to reflect each student's academic journey, and are used to show respect for the places they visit or the people they meet. For example, a student can ask someone special to them to tear a small part of their cloak, symbolising that person's importance in their academic life. Ultimately, the cape is a symbol of equality, with all students wearing the same uniform, regardless of their background.
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It's worn to certain events
The black cape and academic uniform worn by Portuguese university students is a tradition that started nearly 500 years ago. The uniform, referred to as the "traje", typically consists of waistcoats, bow ties, cloaks, and formal skirts for women. While the traje is not a university requirement, it is customary for students to wear it to certain events, such as academic activities, rituals, and festivals associated with "praxe".
Praxe refers to the entirety of student traditions at Portuguese universities, particularly the initiation rituals that freshmen undergo. Notable examples include the "Queima das Fitas" and its parade "Cortejo da Queima", as well as the "Festa das Latas" and the "Latada", where freshmen walk through the streets with cans tied to their feet. The "jantar do curso" is another event where students attend a large-scale dinner with peers from their major, wearing the traje.
One of the most anticipated events is the "serenatas monumentais", where students gather near their city's cathedral to listen to traditional Portuguese music. During this event, freshmen experience a meaningful moment when their "padrinho/madrinha" drapes the iconic black cape over them, celebrating the first time they can officially wear the traje.
The traje is meant to promote equality among students, regardless of social class or family name. It is also a source of pride and a symbol of academic life for Portuguese students, reflecting their academic journey from freshmen to graduates. While there is a myth that the cape should not be washed, it is clarified that students should wash it for hygienic reasons.
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It's a symbol of academic life
The black cape and academic uniform worn by Portuguese university students is a symbol of academic life. This tradition, known as "Praxe", started nearly 500 years ago at Portugal's oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra. The uniform, called "Capa e Batina", consists of a cape and a robe worn by church clergy. It is said that the cape is a symbol of a student's academic journey, from their first week as a freshman to becoming a graduate.
The cape is often draped over freshmen by their "godfather/godmother" during a meaningful ceremony, celebrating the first time they can wear the academic uniform. The cape is not just a piece of clothing but a representation of the student's academic life and a way to promote equality among students, regardless of their social class or family name. The uniform is a requirement for attending certain academic events, such as the "jantar do curso", a large-scale dinner event attended by students from the same major.
While the cape is traditionally said to not be washed throughout a student's time at university, symbolizing the memories collected during their academic journey, some students do choose to wash it for hygienic purposes. The cape is also used to show respect, and laying it on the ground for someone to walk on is considered the ultimate demonstration of academic respect. The cape plays a significant role in the initiation rituals of freshmen, helping them feel included in the university community and overcome social inhibitions.
The Praxe traditions are not mandatory, and students are primarily responsible for organizing and participating in them. While these traditions are meant to foster a sense of community and equality, some older students have been known to take them too far, turning them into acts of humiliation or violence. Overall, the black cape and academic uniform are a source of pride for Portuguese university students, symbolizing their academic journey and promoting equality among their peers.
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Frequently asked questions
Portuguese university students wear black as part of a tradition that started nearly 500 years ago. The black cape and academic uniform are referred to as the "Capa e Batina" and originated at Portugal's oldest university, the Universidade de Coimbra. The uniform is meant to promote equality among students, regardless of social class or family name.
No, wearing the Capa e Batina is not a university requirement, and some students choose never to wear it. However, it is required for several popular academic events organized by the Associacão Acadêmica, such as the "jantar do curso" (a large-scale dinner event).
The black cape is an iconic symbol of a Portuguese student's academic journey. It is traditionally draped over freshmen by their "padrinho/madrinha" or "godfather/godmother" during the serenatas monumentais (monumental serenades), marking the first time they can officially wear the academic uniform. The cape is also associated with various rituals and traditions, such as laying it on the ground for someone to walk on as a sign of academic respect.
