The decorative item in question is typically a small, often miniature, representation of a mortarboard, the traditional academic headwear associated with graduation ceremonies. It is rendered in a blue hue and designed to be placed atop a cake, commonly used for celebratory events marking the completion of academic studies. An example of its use would be the adornment of a vanilla buttercream cake at a high school graduation party.
These decorations serve as a visual symbol of academic achievement and are intended to enhance the celebratory atmosphere of graduation events. They provide a readily identifiable representation of the milestone being recognized and contribute to the overall thematic decoration of the celebration. Historically, such toppers have evolved from simple sugar decorations to increasingly elaborate and customized designs, reflecting changing trends in celebratory confectionery.