Today, we traveled to Padova (also known as Padua). Padova is the site of one of the oldest
universities in Italy, and it has the world’s second-oldest anatomical theater
on the university grounds. Sadly, we were unable to tour the anatomical theater
due to time constraints and a small number of tours per day, but we were able
to see and experience other aspects of the university.
We were able to see some of the academic buildings, though
many side hallways and things were blocked off due to graduation ceremonies.
One building had an open square area on the inside, and students painted or
carved their coats of arms on the internal walls upon their graduation from the
University of Padova. Some of these coats of arms were particularly ornate;
some students really went above and beyond with their decorations. Decorating
these walls was apparently a rite of passage but also a way to express
individuality.
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| If you look between the columns on the bottom level, you can see some coats of arms painted on the walls. |
Our guide did not tell us whether students still paint their
coats of arms on the walls; however, we were told about a current tradition for
graduates in the Venice area. Because graduation ceremonies take place
year-round (as the students decide to graduate), we were able to experience
some of the celebrations today at the University of Padova.
Graduates in the Veneto region have to undergo what
basically amounts to hazing right before their graduation ceremony. They are
forced to put on a crazy, and often somewhat offensive, outfit and parade
around the university and city. Their family and friends serenade them with
“Dottore, Dottore,” a pretty profane tune, over and over. In the few hours we
were in Padova, I heard that song so many times I lost count; the tune is now
stuck in my head! The graduate’s friends create a poster that details the
graduate’s life until that point, including all of the embarrassing things that
no one ever wants to admit. After parading around the university and hearing
“Dottore, Dottore” a few times, the graduate is allowed to slow down – but only
so that they can be hassled some more.
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| A prime example of a graduate's celebration - photo credit to my roommate, Amanda. |
The graduate and entourage stop at the outside of a main
university building, and the poster is taped up for the world to see. The
graduate is then forced to read the entire poster out loud in front of family,
friends, and any passersby. If they make any mistakes, they have to drink
immediately. In some of the cases I saw, a bottle of alcohol was taped to the
graduate’s hands for easy access, a la How I Met Your Mother’s “Edward
Fortyhands” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSX3C2KD9lU).
Whether there is easy access or not, excessive drinking is involved. The
graduate’s family and friends also pelt him/her with a variety of groceries; I
saw flour, eggs, and tomato sauce used in one particular person’s celebration.
Once the festivities are over and the graduate is covered in a variety of food
and debris, they are finally allowed to clean up and go out for a nice dinner
or lunch. Later on, they go through the university’s actual graduation
ceremony, which cannot possibly be as embarrassing or traumatic as the cultural
celebration.
After experiencing this fun and hilarious cultural
phenomenon, I have to say that I am happy we don’t have anything like it in the
United States. I much prefer the restrained, meaningful graduation ceremonies without
loud, crazy pre-ceremony rituals. Sure, the Venetian celebrations look fun, but
I would rather not deal with the public embarrassment and hazing. It would be
highly entertaining to see other people go through it, but as for me…I would
like to just keep everything quiet and clean. I am looking forward to my
graduation in a couple of months, and I am happy to not have to deal with a hilarious
pre-ceremony celebration. The ceremony itself will be celebration enough for
me!
Interesting !
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