About the Dutch PhD ceremony

The Dutch PhD ceremony is very interesting and ritualistic. It is an ancient Dutch concept that obtaining a doctorate was regarded as a de facto marriage to the university. So in addition to the PhD candidates, you can also see two paranymphs, who were similar to a best man or woman, accompanying the candidate. There is also a beadle who convoys the examining committee, the PhD candidate and the paranymphs. He/she also controls the timing of the whole ceremony.