Masonic ritual refers to the scripted words and actions that are spoken or
performed during the degree work in a Masonic Lodge. Masonic symbolism is that
which is used to illustrate the principles which Freemasonry espouses.
Masonic ritual has appeared in a number of contexts within literature including
in The Man Who Would Be King, by Rudyard Kipling, and War and Peace, by Leo
Tolstoy. The purpose of Masonic ritual
Freemasonry is described in its own ritual as a Beautiful or Peculiar system
of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. The symbolism of
freemasonry is found throughout the Masonic Lodge, and contains many of the
working tools of a medieval or renaissance stonemason. The whole system
is transmitted to initiates through the medium of Masonic ritual, which consists
of lectures and allegorical plays. Common to all of Freemasonry is the
three grade system of craft or blue lodge freemasonry, whose allegory is
centred on the building of the Temple of Solomon, and the story of the chief
architect, Hiram Abiff. Further degrees have different underlying allegories,
often linked to the transmission of the story of Hiram. Participation in these
is optional, and usually entails joining a separate Masonic body. The type and
availability of the Higher Degrees also depends on the Masonic Jurisdiction of
the Craft Lodge that first initiated the mason.
Lack of standardisation Freemasons conduct their degree work,
often from memory, following a preset script and ritualised format. There are
a variety of different Masonic rites for Craft Freemasonry. Each Masonic
jurisdiction is free to standardize its own ritual. However, there are
similarities that exist among jurisdictions. For example, all Masonic
rituals for the first three degrees makes use of the architectural symbolism
of the tools of the medieval operative stonemason. Freemasons, as speculative
masons, use this symbolism to teach moral and ethical lessons, such as the
four cardinal virtues of Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice, and
the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth", or "Liberty,
Equality, Fraternity". Symbols in ritual
In most jurisdictions a Bible, Quran, Talmud, Vedas or other appropriate
sacred text will always be displayed while the Lodge is open. In Lodges with
a membership of mixed religions it is common to find more than one sacred text
displayed. A candidate will be given his choice of religious text for his
Obligation, according to his beliefs. UGLE alludes to similarities to legal
practice in the UK, and to a common source with other oath taking processes.
In keeping with the geometrical and architectural theme of Freemasonry, the
Supreme Being is referred to in Masonic ritual by the titles of the Great
Architect of the Universe, Grand Geometrician or similar, to make clear
that the reference is generic, and not tied to a particular religion's
conception of God. Some lodges make use of tracing boards.
These are painted or printed illustrations depicting the various
symbolic emblems of Freemasonry. They can be used as teaching aids during the
lectures that follow each of the three degrees, when an experienced member
explains the various concepts of Freemasonry to new members.
Solomon's Temple is a central symbol of Freemasonry, which holds that the first
three Grand Masters were King Solomon, King Hiram I of Tyre, and Hiram
Abiff—the craftsman/architect who built the temple. Masonic initiation rites
include the reenactment of a scene set on the Temple Mount while it was under
construction. Every Masonic Lodge, therefore, is symbolically the Temple
for the duration of the degree, and possesses ritual objects representing
the architecture of the Temple. These may either be built into the hall or be
portable. Among the most prominent are replicas of the pillars Boaz and Jachin
through which every initiate has to pass.
Historically, Freemasons used various signs, grips or "tokens", and passwords
to identify legitimate Masonic visitors from non-Masons who might wish to gain
admission to meetings. These signs, grips and passwords have been exposed
multiple times, and today Freemasons use dues cards and other forms of written
identification. Overlap with Mormonism symbolism
Mormon temple worship shares a commonality of symbols, signs,
vocabulary and clothing with Freemasonry, including robes, aprons,
handshakes, ritualistic raising of the arms, etc. However, the meanings of each
are different for the Freemasons and the Mormons.
Speaking in 1877 at the St. George Temple, Brigham Young related LDS temple
worship to the story of Hiram Abiff and Solomon's Temple, though he believed the
ceremony had not been practiced in its fullness.
Perceived secrecy of Masonic ritual The mysterious disappearance of William
Morgan in 1826 was said to be due to his threat to publish a book detailing the
secret rituals of Freemasonry. After an attempt was made to burn down the
publishing house and arresting Morgan on charges of petty larceny, he was seized
and taken to Fort Niagara, after which he disappeared. The suspicion behind
this led to the creation of the Anti-Masonic Party, which enjoyed brief
popularity but rapidly became defunct after they fielded a Freemason as their
presidential candidate in 1832. See also
Chamber of Reflection Grand College of Rites
Jahbulon Church of St Edmund, Rochdale
References External links
Grand Lodge of Michigan Symbolism in Freemasonry