Doctoral sword
Doctoral sword
Wearing a doctoral sword
The sword used in the conferment act is the officially certified civilian sword of the independent Republic of Finland. It comes with a scabbard, a black or golden scabbard holder and the golden emblem of the University. The total length of the sword is 87 centimetres, the blade being 75 centimetres. The weight of the sword is 730 grams (1.6 pounds).
The sword is traditionally carried on the left side. Men carry the sword in the scabbard holder, which is attached to a firm loop sewn into trousers. A catch on the holder keeps the sword firmly in its place.
Female doctors should also have a sword. In most cases, the sword cannot be directly attached to dresses because the material is not strong enough. For carrying the sword, ladies’ outfits for the conferment day should include a belt or other similar aid that matches the outfit. The sword can be attached creatively, for example, by wearing the belt under the skirt and taking out some of the seam. In a two-piece outfit, the fastening can be hidden under the top. If it is unreasonably difficult to modify the outfit, the sword can also be carried in the left hand.
There is a catch in the scabbard holder. In addition, the sword is supplied with a tightening strap with a buckle and two buttonholes. They can all be utilised to attach the sword.
You can download a PDF-document with pictures of different ways of carrying the sword below.
Buying a sword
Each promovendi must have a sword at the Conferment of Degrees Ceremony. The sword can be your own or borrowed. We will publish offers for sword on this page before the next Conferment of Degrees Ceremony.
Borrowing a sword or hat
You may also borrow a sword or a hat for the Conferment of Degrees Ceremony. We will publish more information about borrowing sword or hat before the next Conferment of Degrees Ceremony. One can also ask e.g. his/her supervisor or someone else at the faculty if someone could lend the sword.
The transportation of the sword in an airplane
Swords are transported in the cargo hold as registered luggage. The sword should be packed properly, preferably in their own transport box or package. The sword has to be reported in the check-in and it will go on record. These procedures belong to normal airport routines. More information is available at the check-in of the Helsinki-Vantaa airport:
