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1. RED symbolizes courage, zeal,
the blood of life, and fire. It is the color of Royal Arch
Masonry.
2. WHITE has throughout the
ages represented purity and innocence.
3. BLUE has been esteemed
since antiquity as a beneficent color, denoting immortality, eternity, chastity
and fidelity. It is the color of Symbolic Masonry, "the Blue
Lodge."
4. ALL-SEEING EYE, a symbol
of watchfulness and the Supreme Being.
5. RAYS or Glory, symbolic of
the power of the Supreme Being to penetrate the innermost reaches Of the human
heart.
6. RAINBOW is sometimes
associated with the Royal Arch. It is also part of the architectural arch,
being the 9th arch under Solomon's Temple. It is supported by two Pillars
(see No.8).
7. MOON, one of the Lesser
Lights in Freemasonry. The Moon governs and rules the night.
8. PILLARS OF ENOCH, Enoch,
fearing that the principles of the arts and sciences might be lost, erected two
pillars, the one of marble to withstand fire, the other of brass to resist
water. On each he engraved that which he feared would be lost. The
Gloves are
symbols of Unity and Peace and Plenty. (See also No 37)
9. PILLARS B. and J. were
within the porch of King Solomon's Temple. Boaz the name of the left pillar means "in strength"; the right pillar, Jachin,
means "God will establish" (see also No.38). The globe on the left pillar represents earth; that on
the right, heaven. These brazen pillars with their globes are today the columns of the Senior
and Junior Wardens.
10. DOVE in early Masonry is a
symbol of Noah's messenger. In ancient symbolism, the dove represented purity and innocence.
11. FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM OF EUCLID'S first
book of geometry. It is said that when Pythagoras solved the problem he
exclaimed. "Eureka!," which signifies "I have found it."
It is, however, not a problem, but a theorem. It has been adopted as
the symbol on the Past Master Mason's Jewel in Pennsylvania (The Ahiman
Rezon, Art XVI, Sec. 3 & 4).
12. HOPE is sometimes shown as a
female with an anchor, also as an anchor near the ark.
ANCHOR, an emblem of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life.
With hope, an Anchor holds the soul both sure and steadfast.
13. PLUMB, the proper Masonic Jewel
of the Junior Warden, admonishes us to walk uprightly before God and man.
It is one of the working tools of operative Masons, used to try perpendiculars.
14. JACOB'S LADDER without a
clouded canopy or star-decked heaven, which he saw in a vision ascending from
earth to heaven. The three principal rounds are denominated FAITH, HOPE,
and CHARITY.
15. SQUARE WITHIN BOUNDS is a
symbol formed by four stonemason's squares of equal arms superimposed one on the
other to form a central square. This symbol has not been found in American
or English books of Masonic symbolism and therefore may well be of French
origin. There has been no interpretation found for it to date.
16. LIGHTS or BURNING TAPERS, like
the three principal Lodge officers, refer undoubtedly to the three
stations of the sun, its rising in the East (Worshipful Master), its meridian in
the South (Junior Warden), and its setting in the West (Senior Warden).
(See also Nos. 30 & 31)
17. TROWEL, a working tool of the
operative mason, is used symbolically for spreading the cement of
Brotherly love and affection.
18. FIVE-POINTED STAR represents the five
points of fellowship. Within the star is the letter "G," a well-known
symbol of Freemasonry representing both God and geometry.
19. MOSAIC PAVEMENT, a representation of the
ground floor of King Solomon's Temple. The Masonic Pavement is emblematical of
human life, checked with good and evil.
20. STEPS are usually three in number. The
six steps are said to represent degrees Washington received.
21. HOLY BIBLE, the great light of
Freemasonry.
22. COFFIN has always symbolized death. It
is found on tracing boards of the 18th century and, in that time, constituted a
part of the esoteric symbolism.
23. SKULL AND CROSS-BONES are symbols of
mortality and death and are so used in French degrees.
24. SPRIG OF ACACIA. The acacia tree is
supposedly the shittah wood of the Old Testament. The name is sometimes spelled
Cassia. It has long been used as a symbol of immortality.
25. SQUARE is the proper Masonic Jewel of
the Master of the Lodge. It is one of the Great Lights in Freemasonry. It is the
stonemason's square of two equal arms.
26. COMPASSES, the proper Masonic emblem of
the Craft, and one of the Great Lights in Freemasonry.
27. BRICK WALL appears to represent the
place in the Lodge occupied by the Altar. The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses
rest upon it, as do the three Lesser Lights. It composes nine rows of bricks,
one upon the other. To give the symbolic meaning of the wall would be mere
speculation.
28. ARK is emblematical of that Divine Ark
which safely carries us over this tempest-tossed life. It is often shown with
the Anchor.
29. SETTING MAUL, in operative Masonry, is
used for setting stones, that is, tapping them to a firm seat in the mortar or
urging them sidewise into place. It is considered by some to be a symbol of
untimely death.
30. (See No.16)
31. (See No.16)
32. TREASURER of the lodge wearing the Apron
of his office and holding the emblem of his office, Crossed Keys.
33. TWENTY-FOUR INCH GAUGE symbolizes the
twenty-four hours of day divided into three equal parts devoted to God, usual
vocations, and rest.
34. SWORD POINTING TO A NAKED HEART
demonstrated that justice will sooner or later overtake us; and that although
our thoughts, words and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, they are not
hidden from the All-Seeing Eye.
35. TASSEL consists of a cord with tassels
on the ends. It alludes to the Care of Providence which surrounds and deeps us
within its protection while we govern our lives by the four cardinal virtues:
temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. The tassel may also represent the
Mystic Tie, that sacred bond which unites men of diverse opinions into one band
of Brother.
36. LEVEL, the proper Masonic Jewel of the
Senior Warden, symbolizes equality and reminds us that we are traveling upon the
level of time. It is one of the working tools of an operative mason.
37. (See No 8)
38. (See No 9)
39. SUN, one of the Lesser Lights. As a
source of light, it reminds the Mason of that intellectual light of which he is
in constant search.
40. SEVEN SIX-POINTED STARS. The number
SEVEN represents the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences: Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic,
Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. The SIX-POINTED STAR symbolizes
Divine Providence, the star of David or Shield of David. It comprises tow
interlaced triangles, which have a number of Masonic interpretations.
41. LETTERS used symbolically in the Mark
Master Mason's degree, Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
42. BEEHIVE is the emblem of industry. It
teaches us that as we came into this world rational and intelligent beings, so
we should ever be industrious ones.
43. APRON. The Masonic Apron, which derives
from the working apron of the stonemason, is in itself a symbol. It is an emblem
of innocence, and the badge of a Freemason.
When the young Marquis de Lafayette came to America at the age of 20 and joined George Washington's army for the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, the American cause had become his cause. The affection each man held for the other is legend. So too is the legacy of Masonic history developed through that
affection. The Lafayette Apron, of white satin and embroidered by Madame Lafayette, was presented to Bro. Washington by Bro. Lafayette in August of 1784.The apron was presented to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania by the Washington Benevolent Society on July 3, 1829 and is now on display in the Grand Lodge Museum at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.
It is a study in symbolism. For example, the apron border colors of red, white and blue are the national colors of both the United States and
France. Symbols are silent emblems having meaning only when interpreted. Given the unique character of the interpretation process, it can be understood that no symbol has absolute meaning. In preparing the following, Bro Frank W. Bobb, Grand Lodge librarian and curator, has used those meanings most widely accepted my Masonic scholars in interpreting the symbolism of the Washington Apron.
The name of George Washington claims a place in our American Masonic history.
As the "Father of our Country" he is a source of pride to every
American Freemason and we are honored to call him a "Brother" in our
time-honored Fraternity. He was "raised" to the sublime degree
of a Master Mason in Lodge #4 of Fredericksburg, Virginia on August 4th, 1753.
On December 20th, 1788 Brother Washington was elected the first Worshipful
Master of Alexandria Lodge #22.
It was during the Revolutionary War that the young
Marquis de Lafayette came to America from France and joined General George
Washington's army for the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. The affection each
man held for each other as Friends and Brothers was legend. The American
cause had become Lafayette's cause. The legacy that developed through this
affection led to the presentation of a special Masonic
Apron at Mt. Vernon in August of 1784. It was made of white satin and
hand-embroidered by Madame Lafayette.
This apron has become a study in symbolism.
Symbols are silent emblems having meaning only when interpreted and given the
unique character of the interpretation process, it is also understood that no
symbol has an absolute meaning. For example, the apron border colors of
red, white and blue are the National Colors of both the United States and
France, and the colors of our National Flag. In Masonry the color red is a
symbol of courage, white for innocence, and blue for fidelity. The
"Lambskin" or white leather apron is itself an emblem of innocence and
the badge of a Mason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more
honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order that could be conferred
upon me, at this or any future period by king, prince, potentate, or any other
person, except he be a Mason. It was hoped that I would wear it with
pleasure to myself and honor to the Fraternity.
The "All-Seeing Eye" is a symbol of
watchfulness and the eye of the Grand Architect. It is the symbol of his
Divine watchfulness and care of the Universe. The All-Seeing Eye, whom the
Sun, Moon, and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform
their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart,
and will reward us according to our merits. The "Rays" represent
"Light". Freemasons are emphatically called "The Sons of
Light" because they are entitled to be in possession of the true meaning
and knowledge of this symbol. It is in fact the first of all symbols
presented to the initiate, and continues to be presented to him in various forms
throughout his Masonic career. But as Light not only came from God, it
also makes mans way clear before him, so it is employed to signify moral truth.
The "Dove" in early Masonry is a symbol of Noah's messenger. In
ancient symbolism, the Dove represented purity and innocence and was often seen
bearing an olive branch.
The constellation of "Seven Six-pointed
Stars" in Masonry represents the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences:
They are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy.
The Six-pointed Star symbolizes Divine Providence and is the Star of David or
Shield of David. This starry-decked heaven is where all good Masons hope
at last to arrive by aid of that "Theological Ladder" which Jacob in
his vision saw extending from Earth to Heaven, the principal rounds of which are
denominated Faith, Hope and Charity, which admonish us to have Faith in God,
Hope in Immortality, and Charity toward all Mankind. The greatest of these
is Charity; for our faith may be lost in sight, hope ends in fruition, but
Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity!
The "Sun" as the source of material light
reminds the Mason of that intellectual light of which he is in constant search.
The Worshipful Master who rules and governs his Lodge is said to be the symbol
of the rising sun in the east. The sun, therefore is the symbol of
sovereignty, the hieroglyphic of royalty; and signifies absolute authority.
As the sun rules the day, so does the moon govern the night; as the sun
regulates our years, so does the moon mark the passing months. These
symbols in Masonry are known as the "Lesser Lights".
The "Three Great Lights" in Masonry are
the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. The Holy Bible is dedicated to the
service of God because it is the inestimable gift of God to man, and on it we
obligate our Brethren. The "Square" to the Worshipful Master
because it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office, and the
"Compasses" to the Craft because by a due attention to their use we
are taught to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds
toward all mankind, especially a Brother Mason.
Here are the "Pillars of the Porch" of
King Solomon's Temple... King Solomon did not simply erect them as ornaments to
the temple, but memorials of God's repeated promises of support to His people of
Israel. Boaz, the name of the left pillar means "in strength",
the right pillar Jachin means "God will establish", which signifies
when combined, the message "In strength, God will establish His house in
Israel". And thus were the Jews, in passing through the porch to the
temple, daily reminded of the abundant promises of God, and inspired with
confidence in His protection and gratitude for His many acts of kindness to His
chosen people. The globe on the left pillar represents "Earth",
that on the right, "Heaven".
The outer pillars of the temple are called the
"Pillars of Enoch". Enoch, fearing that the principles of the
Arts and Sciences might be lost, erected two pillars, the one of marble to
withstand fire, the other of brass to resist water. On each he engraved
all the knowledge which he feared would be lost. The globes are symbols of
unity, peace and plenty. These pillars also support the
"Rainbow" which is sometimes associated with the Holy Royal Arch.
It is also called the "Arch of Heaven", symbolic of the architectural
arch.
The "Mosaic Pavement" is a representation of
the ground floor of King Solomon's Temple. The Mosaic Pavement is
emblematical of human life checked with good and evil. The "Blazing
Star" reminds us of that awe inspiring period when the Almighty delivered
the two tablets on stone, containing the Ten Commandments, to His faithful
servant Moses on Mt. Sinai; when the rays of His divine glory shone so bright
that none could behold it without fear and trembling. It also represents
the sacred name of God, as a universal spirit who enlivens our hearts, who
purifies our reason, who increases our knowledge, and who makes us wiser and
better men.
The "Ark" is emblematical of the Divine Ark
which carries us over this tempest-tossed life. It is sometimes shown with
the "Anchor", an emblem of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life.
With hope, the anchor holds the soul sure and steadfast.
The "Square within Bounds" is a symbol
formed by four stonemason's squares of equal arms superimposed one on the other
to form a central cube. The square and cube are both significant symbols.
The square is an emblem of morality, or the strict performance of every duty.
The square teaches us to regulate our conduct before God and man. The cube
is a symbol of truth, wisdom, and moral perfection.
The "Forty-Seventh Problem of Euclid's"
first book of Geometry contained a mathematical theorem so complex that when
Pythagoras solved the problem he exclaimed; "Eureka" which signifies
"I have found it"! It has been adopted as a symbol of a
Past Master. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and
sciences.
The "Working Tools" of an Entered
Apprentice Mason are the twenty-four inch gauge and common gavel. The
"Twenty-four Inch Gauge" is an instrument made use of by Operative
Masons to measure and lay-out their work, but we, as Free and Accepted Masons,
are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our
time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of
the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal
parts, whereby are found eight hours for the service of God and a distressed
worthy Brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and
sleep.
The "Common Gavel" is an instrument made
use of by operative Masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better
to fit them for the builder's use, but we as Free and Accepted Masons, are
taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts
and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our
minds as living stones for that spiritual building - that house not made with
hands - eternal in the heavens.
The "Plumb" is an instrument made use of
by operative Masons to try perpendiculars, the "Square" to square
their work, and the "Level" to prove horizontals, but we, as Free and
Accepted Masons are taught to use them for more noble and glorious purposes.
The "Plumb" admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations
before God and man, squaring our actions by the Square of Virtue, ever
remembering that we are traveling upon the Level of Time, toward "that
undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns."
The "Trowel" is an instrument made use of
by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one
common mass; but we as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the
more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and
affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of
friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble
contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.
The "Setting Maul", in operative Masonry
is used for setting stones, that is, tapping them to a firm seat in the mortar
by urging them sideways into place. It is considered by some to be a
symbol of untimely death.
The "Coffin" containing the remains of a
deceased friend and Brother reminds Masons that we are the custodians of a great
heritage passed along to us in the story of the "Hiramic
Legend".
The "Sprig of Acacia" is the symbol of the
immortality of the soul; as the flower, which "cometh forth and is cut
down", reminds us of the transitory nature of human life.
The "Beehive" is an emblem of industry.
It teaches us that we came into this world rational and intelligent
beings, so should we be industrious ones.
The "Sword Pointing to a Naked Heart"
demonstrates that Justice will sooner or later overtake us, and that although
our thoughts, words and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, they are not
hidden to the All-Seeing Eye.
The "Tassel" consists of a cord with
tassels on the end. It represents the "Mystic Tie"; that bond
which unites men of diverse opinions into one sacred band of Friends and
Brothers. In closing, the ceremonies and lectures in Symbolic Masonry
beautifully illustrate this all-engrossing subject; and the conclusion we arrive
at is... that youth, properly directed, leads us to honorable and virtuous
maturity, and that the life of man, regulated by morality, faith and justice,
will be rewarded at its final hour by the prospect of eternal bliss, and he who
has received from his Master this approving language... "Well done, good
and faithful servant;
thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
things; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord".
Bibliography
"Encyclopedia of Freemasonry" by Albert G. Mackey, MD, 33 Degree.
Revised Edition under William J. Hughan, 32 Degree and Edward L. Hawkins, MA, 30
Degree. Volumes
No. 1 & 2 Published by The Masonic History Company, New York & London,
1917.
"The Florida Masonic Monitor", Twenty-third Edition, Prepared by
the Committee on Work,
GL #214, 1992. James W. Creecy, Chairman.
"The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Poster" reprinted January 1985 by
Museum Curator and Librarian Bro. Frank W. Bobb titled "Bro. George
Washington's Apron" as presented by the Marquis de Lafayette at Mt. Vernon
in August of 1784.
Acknowledgements
Hon. Elmer G. Coffman, Chairman,
Committee on Work, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Florida.
Hon. M. W. David Eschrich, Chairman,
Jurisprudence, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
F. & A.M. of Florida.
Hon. M. W. J. Roy Crowther, Grand
Treasurer & Historian, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of
Florida.
Hon. R. W. Hubert Maston, Chairman,
History & Museum Committee, Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Florida.
Hon. Anthony E. Rhoades, Webmaster,
Florida Masonic Museum, www.tntpc.com
Webmaster E-mail: tony@tntpc.com
Hon. Frank W. Bobb, Jr., Curator,
Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, One
North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19107-2520 |
