The Lexicographer's Rules

"The festivities actually begin a couple of months before the ceremony. First there are 'senior portraits'Ñpictures taken in 'casual' and 'formal' attireÑwhich will forever adorn the mantelpiece in your parent's house. And then there's all the graduation-related paraphernalia to buy - key rings, earrings, picture frames, mugs, T-shirtsÑall saying things such as 'Class of '94'. There are dances to go to, and invitations to send. And, best of all, loads of presents to receive. Eventually the big day arrives. Because you have to be there before your parents, everyone sneaks a quick smoke or a swift swig from a bottle of Jack Daniels in the car park beforehand. Just before you're due to go into the auditorium you throw on your white robe and make sure your mortarboard is firmly fastened to you head, lest it fall off as you're walking across the stage."

—Guardian. There's some talk in Britain about adopting American-style secondary school graduation ceremonies. Cheesy, schmaltzy, yes. But who wears white robes?'

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