Oration - Lunds universitet

conferrer from the Faculties of Theology, Law, Medicine
and Technology.
The laurel wreath. The laurel tree was regarded as
Apollo’s tree in Greek mythology, and since ancient
times wreaths of its leaves have been presented as
awards for scholarly, literary and athletic merits. During
the Middle Ages and the Renaissance laurels came to
represent the poet, and also associated with wisdom.
At the conferment ceremony, the laurel wreath is presented
by conferrers from the philosophical faculties.
Since 1935 graduating doctors within these faculties
have had the right to wear a doctor’s hat; however,
the laurel wreath only is used by the newly graduated
doctors on the day of the conferment ceremony.
The ring is made of gold and symbolizes fidelity
towards science and scholarship. Each university and
faculty ornaments the ring with its own symbols.
The diploma is a written confirmation of the rights
that are due to doctoral graduates. It is presented to all
graduating doctors. The diploma is drawn up in Latin.
The lecturer’s table (“The Parnassus”) at the conferment
ceremony is not only a lectern; it also symbolizes
the Greek Mountain of the Gods. The conferrers
conduct the ceremony from there. Conferrers are
chosen annually, usually in order of seniority, by the
faculties concerned. The conferment language is Latin.
Jubilee doctor. Persons who received their doctorate
fifty years ago at Lund University are given the title
jubilee doctor. All jubilee doctors receive a diploma,
and within the faculties of philosophy, a laurel wreath.
Honorary doctor (doctor honoris causa) is a dignity that
the faculties award to persons whom they particularly
want to honour and associate with their research
fellowship.
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