Doctoral sword
The doctoral sword forms part of the insignia of the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Education), Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy) and Doctor of Health Sciences.
As the doctoral sword is an integral part of the insignia associated with your degree, it is not possible to choose to receive only the doctoral hat without the sword at the conferral ceremony.
The doctoral sword symbolises truth and serves as a weapon in the defence of truth, justice, and goodness. In Finland, the country’s only official civilian sword is used as the doctoral sword. It was designed by Akseli Gallen-Kallela.
A sword may be borrowed from a colleague or acquaintance, provided that it is fitted with a guard plate bearing Åbo Akademi University’s Brahe wings (see image below). The University also has a limited number of swords available for loan. These are primarily reserved for jubilee doctors and for promovendi travelling long distances to participate in the conferral ceremony. Enquiries regarding loan swords may be sent to promotion@abo.fi.
Promovendi whose insignia include a sword receive it during the conferral ceremony. The sword is carried during the conferral act and during the subsequent procession to the conferral service, where it is left in the cathedral vestibule. The sword is not brought to the conferral banquet.
The doctoral sword is worn on the left-hand side of the waist. Those wearing a tailcoat attach the sword to the waistband by sewing two buttons inside the trousers or tailcoat attachment system (instructions are available here). Promovendi wearing a dress or a skirt and blouse may use a specially designed sword belt (see attachment instructions, available sizes, and prices here in Finnish only). An ordinary black waist belt may also be used with a dress or skirt and blouse. Should this present significant difficulties, the sword may exceptionally be carried in the left hand.
The sword is available in two lengths: 85 cm and 95 cm. For practical reasons, we generally recommend the shorter version. Those taller than 175 cm may wish to consider the longer model.
When travelling by air, the sword must be transported in the aircraft’s checked baggage hold.
If you have not ordered your own doctoral sword, you may borrow one from a colleague, friend or acquaintance, provided that it is fitted with Åbo Akademi University’s guard plate bearing the Brahe wings. Those borrowing a sword will receive instructions on how and when to submit it before the conferral ceremony. Borrowed swords must be clearly labelled with the promovendus’ name and conferral number when handed in, in order to avoid confusion. Please follow the instructions provided in the letters you receive and on the conferral website once this information has been published.
The purchase of a doctoral sword includes:
- doctoral sword
- engraving of name and conferral date
- Åbo Akademi University guard plate featuring the Brahe wings in 24-carat gold
- carrying strap
- fabric storage bag and presentation box
Those who have ordered a doctoral sword may receive the carrying strap well in advance of the conferral ceremony in order to prepare the attachment of the sword to their attire.
Instructions
Doctoral Sword Attachment Instructions
Men fasten the carrying strap to two buttons sewn onto the left-hand side of the trousers. One button is attached to the outside of the waistband and the other to the inside of the waistband. The buttons should be positioned approximately 2.5 cm below the upper edge of the waistband on both sides (please check the measurements against your carrying strap). When attached in this manner, the strap forms a hook at the top, secured partly by the two buttons and partly by the upper edge of the waistband. The height of the sword can subsequently be adjusted by approximately ±2.5 cm using the buckle on the strap.
Women fasten the carrying strap to a belt. Each individual is responsible for obtaining a suitable belt, preferably black and as discreet as possible. If attaching the sword to a belt proves problematic, a special solution for women is also available from the sword supplier (see instructions, sizes and prices here). In such cases, please contact AU-Holmberg Goldsmiths in Turku.
See also: Instructions for the carrying strap, with illustrations, available in Swedish and Finnish here.
Purchase of a Doctoral Sword
The purchase of a doctoral sword includes:
- doctoral sword
- engraving of the recipient’s name and the conferral date
- Åbo Akademi University guard plate featuring the Brahe wings in 24-carat gold
- carrying strap
- fabric storage bag and presentation box
Those who have ordered a doctoral sword may receive the carrying strap well in advance of the conferral ceremony. This allows the sword attachment to be prepared before the conferral day.
AU-Holmberg Goldsmiths in Turku
Information and prices will be provided by the supplier:
au-holmberg.myshopify.com
Information on a package price for a doctoral sword and doctoral hat from AU-Holmberg Goldsmiths will be published here during autumn 2026.
Åbo Akademi University uses Au-Holmberg Goldsmiths as its supplier of doctoral swords. In connection with the conferral ceremony, the University will coordinate a joint order of doctoral swords through Au-Holmberg Goldsmiths in Turku.
Åbo Akademi University will place a collective order for all promovendi who indicate in the electronic registration form that they wish to order a doctoral sword. Registration for participation in the conferral ceremony will open in October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027.
Orders are placed through Åbo Akademi University, and the swords will be delivered to the University so that they are available to the promovendi at the conferral ceremony. Each doctoral sword will be invoiced directly to the respective promovendus by Au-Holmberg Goldsmiths.
The joint ordering process will open later in autumn 2026. Information will be sent by e-mail to all pre-registered and registered participants.
Melanders Hattfabrik in Helsinki
Information and prices will be provided by the supplier:
melandershattfabrik.com
Information regarding package prices for a doctoral sword and doctoral hat from Melanders Hat Factory will be published here during autumn 2026.