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Toga is a traditional gown, worn by the ancient Romans. The earliest images preserved are sculptures dated back about III c. BC. The Roman Emperor August introduces the toga as an obligatory clothing for all who attend the Forum. The toga differed in colour and decoration according to the age, the rank and the functions its bearer held; however its form and design was the same for all. Being heavy and with elaborate drapery, it suggested that the one who wore it devoted to oratory, or just to the very wearing of it. It was the most important element of official ceremonies in the Empire. Together with the Latin language, it was adopted by the earliest Classical academic ritual, to be part of it for good and all. Formal meetings are attended by participants dressed in togas, speeches are delivered, the ritual Latin formula is atoned, the traditional anthem “Gaudeamus” is sung. The toga was introduced as part of Sofia University's formal meetings as late as 1974, although the university insignia and rituals were inevitably adopted from the European academic tradition.

The first to wear a toga was the Rector, the Member of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Blagovest Sendov during the graduates promotion ceremony - in the jubilee 1974 (on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the political changes on 9th September, 1944). Initially the toga is black with purple collar and cuffs, and was worn by the Rector only. Gradually the Deans and the Members of the Academic Council were dressed in togas. This lead to designing a toga of different colour for the Rector. The designer who elaborated on the toga design was Venera Naslednikova, an expert in history of costume.

The contemporary Rector's toga is purple with black collar and cuffs. It has to be worn in combination with a hat in the same colours. The Dean's and the Members of the Academic Council's toga is black with purple collar and cuffs.