Paranymph

Paranimfen are ( in the Netherlands), the companion of a PhD (doctoral candidates) during the defense of his doctoral thesis.

The PhD student will (Greek: witnesses ) is usually accompanied by two Paranimfen. They have mainly a ceremonial task, although they were originally meant to defend the thesis, if the student would not have to even be able (for example, due to illness or due to an accident ), or if the doctoral student to answer a question consultation wants to keep. In ancient times, when it was hot here in academic debates in a promotion in part and caused quite a stir himself, served the Paranimfen as a bodyguard. It was therefore entirely appropriate to be accompanied as a doctoral student by two burly guys. In today's academic practice in which it is rare to melee the Paranimf a family member, friend is to know ( in ), or a fellow student of PhD students and does not necessarily have on the subject area of ​​the thesis about it often. Therefore, it is an honorable task, as well as with witnesses. It is expected that the Paranimfen as formal dress like the doctoral student.

In modern times the Paranimfen got an additional task. In the Netherlands there is a tradition of the graduation ceremony on the same day ( evening ) to celebrate as the ceremony ( afternoon). To relieve the PhD students of the organization of the party, take the Paranimfen this task, including the dispatch of invitations.

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