Let's Discuss Aprons
And personal expression
Recently I was a part of a conversation about our Masonic Aprons.
It was pointed out, rightly I think, that today Aprons are largely badges of Office. Masons out of office generally wear cloth, white, loaner Aprons owned by the Lodge, or Past Master’s Aprons.
Lodge Officers wear the Aprons appropriate for the chair they hold.
We all know what they look like, and they certainly serve a purpose as a distinguishing badge of Office.
But, as was pointed out in the conversation, long ago, Masonic Aprons were handcrafted and hand decorated. Not mass produced.
That was of course a result of the times, before things like our Apron manufacture became industrialized.
But, as was also pointed out, that meant that a Mason’s individual Apron was most likely a reflection of his personal Masonic philosophy and interests.
Such as this antique Apron from North Carolina:
This Apron from Pennsylvania:
And this from Scotland:
Or this Apron, owned and worn by the Father of the United States, George Washington:
(As a radical aside here, please note the Memento Mori symbolism on President Washington’s Apron above.)
The question seemed to be, and I found it quite intriguing, should we (if we desire) move away from mass produced Aprons, and back to individually created Aprons that are their own form of artworks? Aprons designed with our own personal Masonic interests and philosophy in mind?
So as to avoid rehashing a long standing controversy in my Jurisdiction, I’m not referring to the shape of Aprons, only to the decoration painted or sewn on them.
Let’s chat about it…
I would heartily agree that wearing and designing and having made or produced individual aprons should not only be promoted and encouraged but flourishing. Not only is it individual expression and a literal form of heraldry on your Masonic journey but it also is a statement about who you are to others. As long as the images were tasteful and not graphic or crude and objective and thought provoking and of course artistic because we Masons love the arts!
I think individual aprons should not only be allowed but encouraged by all worthy masons.
I think the plain white apron was adopted not due to manufacturing means but as a sign that we are all equal. This is something that seems to be uniquely American that differs in European lodges where you can determine your "rank" by the way the apron was tied or the rosettes that were on the apron. Rather, the American movement from what I've read was as much about uniformity, and the abhorrence of the class systems of Europe that many fled as any thing else. Now I have to admit that as a much speculation as any thing else as the author cited nothing that i could corelate with. This said, the history of the masonic apron and how it went from a full body functional article of protective gear to a fashion adornment and a political statement is fascinating. https://www.themasonicjourney.com/the-evolution-of-our-apron/