Sword Sunday # 12: The doctoral sword

There are times when even the centuries old academic traditions of England seem dull and bland when compared with its neighbors in the EU.

Case in point: Finland's doctoral graduation ceremonies are marked with top hats and swords for the newly degreed scientists.

Yep, you read that right, sword.

It turns out that while us dull Americans are relegated black or blue gowns and somewhat colorful hoods, tasles, and 'mortarboard' hats, the Finns pull on all black suits or dresses, and march forward to be given nothing less than a silk top hat, and an officially certified civilian sword of the independent republic of Finland.

The practice, per Teemu Leinonen, a university professor in Finland, dates back to 1840, the 200th anniversary and graduating ceremonies of the University of Helsinki.

The Doctor's sword was taken in use in 1840, when the University of Helsinki was celebrating its 200 years anniversary. The ceremony used the official civilian sword to help preserve the non-military tones of the event, and the weapon was intended to symbolize a scientist's, or researcher's ongoing fight for the truth, be that legal, factual, historical, or even philosophical.

Its also worth noting that from 1809 to 1917 Finland was an autonomous part of the Russian Empire. By the 1840s the idea of independence from the Czars was being openly talked about at multiple universities, both between students, and faculty. It is not only possible, but likely that there was at least a hint of a message toward Russia intended with this part in the ceremony.

The sword is now, almost two centuries after its first use in this way, an thoroughly ingrained part of the Finnish academic culture. Just as we in the US have explanations and even purchase options on our college web pages for  gowns, hats, and hoods, Finnish colleges have the same, but also including the details for the history and purchase of a hat and sword.

The university of Oulu describes the swords meaning this way:

The Doctor's Sword is a symbol for the scientist's fight for what he or she, in rigorous research, has found to be good, right and true.

On the same page, the school denotes the different doctor fields graduates can pursue, and the color of hats associated with each one:

Doctor of Philosophy - Black Hat
Doctor of Education - Black Hat
Doctor of Medicine - Green Hat
Doctor of Dentistry - Green Hat
Doctor of Health Sciences - Black Hat
Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration - Black Hat

The swords themselves are provided by jewelry companies, and a the current price is 325 Euros ($375 USD).

The swords are universally described as the "officially certified civilian sword of the independent republic of Finland" and the details show that it is a  straight bladed sword, either 85cm (33 1/2") or 95cm (37 1.2") in overall length. The descriptions in websites university describe them as black with gold metalwork, and the emblem of the university on the hilt.

The scabbard is black as well, and includes a metal clip to attach to a man's belt, or a small baldric or cross belt for a woman. The sword is traditionally worn on the left side, opposite of the hand that would be expected to use it.

In a modern context, the details and practicality of such a weapon are undoubtedly lost the literal pages of history. Fencing as a college sword is the last whisper of the dueling and honor fight era of Renaissance europe, and it is doubtful that one in a hundred such graduates would even know how to use such a weapon. It is also beyond unlikely that any of these swords, even though they re undoubtedly well made, could hold a respectable edge, let alone have one in the first place.

Still, even in this unique contest, the same themes hold true, even when going back to the dawn of civilization and standing armies. The sword has always been a weapon for the wealthy and the able, costing more, and requiring more schooling to use than the spear or the bow. Weather in the hands of a biblical general in Palestine, or a Japanese Imperial infantry officer in 1945, the men who fought wars have long been taught to follow those who wielded swords.

The elite status of the weapon carries over today with the ceremonial swords of most modern armies, including the world famous Mameluke sword that is better known as the US Marine Corps officer's saber.








Finland's decision to carry this idea of leadership, accomplishment, formidability, and prowess over into the academic world my be unique, but it still taps into the same social veins that have pulsed through mankind since the first swords were made.

His Lordship Ivo Blackhawk
Kingdom of Ansteorra
"Long Live the King!"