Diplomas used to be very large documents, about twice the size as those that we see today. During the beginning of the twentieth century, it became popular to bind the diploma in leather. A diploma was given at that time at the end of grammar school, high school and college graduations.

During the early half of the twentieth century, a diploma was called a “testimonial.” In the United Kingdom, a diploma is still called a testimonial. In the later part of the twentieth century, people in the United States began to refer to the document that one received upon graduating from a learning institution as a diploma, after the Greek word meaning the attainment of higher education.

Throughout Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, diplomas are given to those who attain higher degrees of education. A diploma can either be presented as rolled up parchment and tied with a ribbon, or in a leather binder. In some high school graduations throughout the country, the student does not receive the actual diploma until after graduation and only receives the binder. This is to insure the return of the cap and gown.

One thing that has remained the same throughout history with regard to diplomas is the pride that they invoke in the receiver. Diplomas are often framed and hung in places where everyone can see them. High school diplomas are usually kept by parents. College and postgraduate diplomas