Something came up in a discussion here the other day that I thought might be interesting to explore further.
Our Modern Aprons in the U.S. are all rather standard. Largely square, with very specific decorations upon them. But the Masons who came before us wore very diverse aprons. Often rounded, often with hand painted decorations and symbols covering them.
George Washington’s Masonic Apron
If you were suddenly made ‘King of Masonry’ would you stick with our standardized modern apron designs, or would you allow individual Masons to wear whatever they felt was appropriate and a good fit for their personalities and interests?
I'll never be King of Masonry because I'd spend too much time doing away with the overload of pointless rules that live within our Washington Masonic Code, and the first to go would be the rule specifying the exact size and acceptable color of our aprons. (Some may feel that rule actually makes us better men. I have different priorities). Many years ago I was among the thousands of Boy Scouts gathered at Valley Forge for the annual Jamboree. Many of us came home with another scout's neckerchief that we traded for so at our subsequent troop meetings there was a colorful array of neckerchiefs from all over the country and all over the world. We were proud of this, it was interesting, and it was pretty cool. If a scout master can trust a bunch of adolescent boys to act accordingly while wearing different neckerchiefs then what is it about the Masonic journey that is diminished if Brothers wear aprons of their own choosing?
A few years ago a Lodge in Seattle proposed a WMC change that would have allowed them to wear aprons that resembled the rounded apron worn by George Washington. Sadly it was voted down, and among the arguments against was from a PGM who opposed the measure because "we have our traditions". Gosh, I thought it was hard to top Brother George when it comes to Masonic tradition. It just shows how wrong I can be sometimes.
I am certainly with you in the belief that our Washington Masonic Code is too long, too complex, and overly restrictive. It stifles growth.
I also shared your disappointment when the resolution you mention was voted down.
I think that the problem is, whenever anything bad happens, someone gets the bright idea to outlaw it in the Code so that it doesn't happen again. Without ever considering if it would happen again anyway, or if there is a less intrusive way of making sure that it doesn't happen again.
Then, once it is in the Code, inertia sets in. Brothers become fearful of the smallest easing of any restriction.
It was explained to me that this decision followed the following thought in early masonry. We are all equal and while practicing in lodge should remain so. While many jurisdictions allow decorative aprons, some have ways of tieing them that shows your proficiency. A lot of cultural history behind why aprons are as they are. I for one do not really have a preference so long as we meet on the level and practice what we obligate our selves to. Even officer aprons, which 8n us jurisdictions seem to be more ornate, should come with the reminder we give our boys in demolay. Remember that from the ranks you arose, and to the ranks you will return.
There are several journal articles about the origin of English, Irish and some appendant body Aprons which I might remind may be older than modern systems. I was always told that the origin of the tassels on some Irish and English body aprons came from the representation of the way a candidate was taught to tie their apron. The apron showed the proficiency of the candidate, the Tyler would open the flap and check the knot to see your proficiency.
Really torn on this one. On the one hand, I like individuality, a few guys in my lodge have custom aprons with masonic art on them, and they're great.
On the other hand, I really like standard flat white aprons as a way of symbolically reinforcing the level. Everybody's coming into lodge wearing the same apron given to the most junior EA, and I think that's important too.
That symbolism isn't compelling enough to make a rule preventing someone from being unique, in my opinion. The optimal scenario (if I were King of Masonry, hah) is to have a cultural norm where everybody wears a plain white apron, but I would always permit deviation.
In our suits as well - most people will wear navy, or grey, or charcoal. Every once in a while a brother will come in wearing something a little bit fashion out there. So long as it's nicely done and respectful, all fair play, while we have a general cultural norm of fairly basic & boring suits.
I believe that symbolically reinforcing the level is hugely important; that we meet on the level is among the most valuable lessons we learn as Masons. With the level in mind it is critical that all Brothers understand that the white apron is the most important of any apron we may ever be entitled to wear. Maybe a way to do that is to insist that all Masons wear white aprons for all degrees.
>>>Maybe a way to do that is to insist that all Masons wear white aprons for all degrees.
Black Aprons with symbols of mortality worn for the drama of the MM Degree, as is done in some Jurisdictions in the world strikes me as quite wonderful and appropriate. I was gifted such an Apron from a fellow Grand Master from a Jurisdiction that utilizes them, but I've not yet worn it for a Degree.
For me personally, I'm with you. I like a plain white Apron. As Grand Master I only occasionally wore the 'Official Grand Master Apron.' Much more often, I wore a plain white Apron with only a very small GM emblem embroidered on the flap.
When I left the East, one of our Lodges gifted me a most wonderful PGM Apron. It is of course white, but while it has all of the symbols currently shown on our PGM Aprons, the entire thing is trimmed and embroidered in white. So from any kind of distance, it appears as a perfectly plain white Apron. Quite a wonderful gift.
That said, I also own some much more 'creative' aprons. I think that they should have a place in our Craft as well. Ultimately I think it should be up to the individual Brother. I prefer to wear plain white because the symbolism of the White Lambskin speaks to me. But other symbolism might speak stronger to other Brothers.
I'd like to provide some masonic education for those folks within the Washington jurisdiction about the size, shape, color and symbols that are allowed in a masonic lodge. Too many folks have the misconception that ALL aprons worn by the brothers must conform to the rules laid out in the WMC. This is simply not the case.
"The officers’ aprons shall be white and should be of lambskin, or simulated lambskin, approximately fifteen inches wide and thirteen inches deep, of a rectangular shape, and may have a blue lining and edging, with the respective emblems thereon. The aprons may also be adorned with the Lodge number, “all seeing eye”, or other appropriate Masonic emblem. Adornments to the aprons should be of a matching color to the edging, but may include silver or gold highlights.
Past Master Aprons should conform to the qualities of the Officers’ aprons, but with additional latitude to adornment, and color (to exclude purple). "
Right at the beginning, the WMC specifies the officers aprons. Not the members. There are no restrictions for members or visitors aprons, for good reason. If someone from another jurisdiction came with a larger than normal apron (texas), would you prevent them from sitting in your lodge? What about someone from the UK, whose aprons were of different color and adorned with rosettes and tassels?
Anyway, for the specific question at hand, hearing someone say "We have our traditions" is the same things as "Because that's the way we've always done it". A wise brother once asked, "whose traditions?". As John pointed out, the "tradition" of the time of our founding fathers was rounded corners, usually hand painted and decorated as the brother saw fit.
Another question that was brought up last night before our stated meeting was "which point of the compasses is elevated above the square for the FC degree?". It was determined that because the book mark in the bible showed the right point, then that had to be the correct choice. I didn't want to publicly say anything, but this falls under a tradition, not any correct right or wrong decision. There is no rule or guide saying left or right, it just says one above the other. There are literally dozens and dozens of "traditions" that people are under the mistaken belief are actually rules. The lesser lights, when to turn them on or off? If candles, what order are they to be lit or extinguished? How do deacons and stewards carry their rods? What color hat must the WM wear? These are landmarks of a lodge. Traditions that they have developed over the years until it's taken on almost mythical proportions. I've been guilty of such perpetuation of so called rules myself, we probably all have, and probably without knowing it.
My suggestion is that folks when they hear someone talk about a specific rule, look at the WMC, and see if they are right, or simply expressing a tradition. Better yet, actually take the time to read the WMC. Become well versed with it, especially with areas that can get a lodge in deep trouble, such as voting and elections.
Sorry, yanked the steering wheel hard to the right yet again.
Every time I hear anything like "we've always done it that way", or read a rule in the WMC that seems like a rule for the sake of having a rule two questions come to mind: 1) why do we have that rule or habit, and 2) what bad thing would happen if we did it differently. If the answer to either of these questions is that I'm varying from the WMC my response is, "I need a better answer."
It is funny how with the passage of time (and even not all that much time) we come to see the little quirks we do to somehow become rules.
I was sitting in a Lodge last week that doesn't turn on the light above the Altar. A visiting Brother tried to bring the fact that it wasn't turned on to the WM's attention. The WM explained that he'd done some research on it and discovered that this Altar light wasn't a Masonic tradition at all. That it was something done in the Order of Eastern Star, and it simply became something that most all of our Lodges do.
I don't have any confirmation of the above, but I do know the WM fairly well and know him to be a student of Masonry, so have no reason to doubt what he said.
There are many examples of these things in our jurisdiction. I have been chastised when lighting real candles as the lesser lights that “I did it in the wrong order”. Or, turning them on or off before or after arranging the great lights. There are so many “rules” that don’t actually exist, mostly in the ritual. On the other hand, there are plenty of directions given in the ritual that get overlooked.
But there is nothing inherently “wrong” about having landmarks and customs within a particular lodge. In some cases, having the code be vague about some things is useful for lodges to actually make their ritual a little unique. For example, most lodges have different people give different small lectures within a degree, like the apron, g, lecture, or working tools. The ritual doesn’t say you can do that, in fact in places it specifically says it’s the WMs part. But we provide latitude in the degree to “share the wealth” so to speak.
I scotland each lodge can have its own apron design. So in the “blue lodge” aprons can be light blue, dark blue, green, tartan or any colour you can think of. Some will be decorated with the lodge number some with thistles
Unfortunately we don't have that level of freedom in my Jurisdiction. Here 'blue lodge' officer's aprons are white with blue trim and symbols of office, Grand Lodge follows the same pattern but with purple.
Some Lodges do include the Lodge Number, but they don't have freedom when it comes to color, size, or shape.
I'll never be King of Masonry because I'd spend too much time doing away with the overload of pointless rules that live within our Washington Masonic Code, and the first to go would be the rule specifying the exact size and acceptable color of our aprons. (Some may feel that rule actually makes us better men. I have different priorities). Many years ago I was among the thousands of Boy Scouts gathered at Valley Forge for the annual Jamboree. Many of us came home with another scout's neckerchief that we traded for so at our subsequent troop meetings there was a colorful array of neckerchiefs from all over the country and all over the world. We were proud of this, it was interesting, and it was pretty cool. If a scout master can trust a bunch of adolescent boys to act accordingly while wearing different neckerchiefs then what is it about the Masonic journey that is diminished if Brothers wear aprons of their own choosing?
A few years ago a Lodge in Seattle proposed a WMC change that would have allowed them to wear aprons that resembled the rounded apron worn by George Washington. Sadly it was voted down, and among the arguments against was from a PGM who opposed the measure because "we have our traditions". Gosh, I thought it was hard to top Brother George when it comes to Masonic tradition. It just shows how wrong I can be sometimes.
I am certainly with you in the belief that our Washington Masonic Code is too long, too complex, and overly restrictive. It stifles growth.
I also shared your disappointment when the resolution you mention was voted down.
I think that the problem is, whenever anything bad happens, someone gets the bright idea to outlaw it in the Code so that it doesn't happen again. Without ever considering if it would happen again anyway, or if there is a less intrusive way of making sure that it doesn't happen again.
Then, once it is in the Code, inertia sets in. Brothers become fearful of the smallest easing of any restriction.
It was explained to me that this decision followed the following thought in early masonry. We are all equal and while practicing in lodge should remain so. While many jurisdictions allow decorative aprons, some have ways of tieing them that shows your proficiency. A lot of cultural history behind why aprons are as they are. I for one do not really have a preference so long as we meet on the level and practice what we obligate our selves to. Even officer aprons, which 8n us jurisdictions seem to be more ornate, should come with the reminder we give our boys in demolay. Remember that from the ranks you arose, and to the ranks you will return.
Typing on my phone. Excuse the fat fingered typos.
When I make the statement above, I'm of course refering to my own jurisdiction in nc.
>>>"some have ways of tieing them that shows your proficiency"
Thank you for this Brother! I'd not heard of it before, and now I look forward to discovering more about it.
https://www.themasonicjourney.com/the-evolution-of-our-apron/#:~:text=The%20method%20of%20tying%20on%20the%20apron%20was,with%20fabrics%20other%20than%20leather%20for%20their%20aprons.
There are several journal articles about the origin of English, Irish and some appendant body Aprons which I might remind may be older than modern systems. I was always told that the origin of the tassels on some Irish and English body aprons came from the representation of the way a candidate was taught to tie their apron. The apron showed the proficiency of the candidate, the Tyler would open the flap and check the knot to see your proficiency.
Thank you very much! That is a great article.
Really torn on this one. On the one hand, I like individuality, a few guys in my lodge have custom aprons with masonic art on them, and they're great.
On the other hand, I really like standard flat white aprons as a way of symbolically reinforcing the level. Everybody's coming into lodge wearing the same apron given to the most junior EA, and I think that's important too.
That symbolism isn't compelling enough to make a rule preventing someone from being unique, in my opinion. The optimal scenario (if I were King of Masonry, hah) is to have a cultural norm where everybody wears a plain white apron, but I would always permit deviation.
In our suits as well - most people will wear navy, or grey, or charcoal. Every once in a while a brother will come in wearing something a little bit fashion out there. So long as it's nicely done and respectful, all fair play, while we have a general cultural norm of fairly basic & boring suits.
I believe that symbolically reinforcing the level is hugely important; that we meet on the level is among the most valuable lessons we learn as Masons. With the level in mind it is critical that all Brothers understand that the white apron is the most important of any apron we may ever be entitled to wear. Maybe a way to do that is to insist that all Masons wear white aprons for all degrees.
>>>Maybe a way to do that is to insist that all Masons wear white aprons for all degrees.
Black Aprons with symbols of mortality worn for the drama of the MM Degree, as is done in some Jurisdictions in the world strikes me as quite wonderful and appropriate. I was gifted such an Apron from a fellow Grand Master from a Jurisdiction that utilizes them, but I've not yet worn it for a Degree.
For me personally, I'm with you. I like a plain white Apron. As Grand Master I only occasionally wore the 'Official Grand Master Apron.' Much more often, I wore a plain white Apron with only a very small GM emblem embroidered on the flap.
When I left the East, one of our Lodges gifted me a most wonderful PGM Apron. It is of course white, but while it has all of the symbols currently shown on our PGM Aprons, the entire thing is trimmed and embroidered in white. So from any kind of distance, it appears as a perfectly plain white Apron. Quite a wonderful gift.
That said, I also own some much more 'creative' aprons. I think that they should have a place in our Craft as well. Ultimately I think it should be up to the individual Brother. I prefer to wear plain white because the symbolism of the White Lambskin speaks to me. But other symbolism might speak stronger to other Brothers.
I'd like to provide some masonic education for those folks within the Washington jurisdiction about the size, shape, color and symbols that are allowed in a masonic lodge. Too many folks have the misconception that ALL aprons worn by the brothers must conform to the rules laid out in the WMC. This is simply not the case.
"The officers’ aprons shall be white and should be of lambskin, or simulated lambskin, approximately fifteen inches wide and thirteen inches deep, of a rectangular shape, and may have a blue lining and edging, with the respective emblems thereon. The aprons may also be adorned with the Lodge number, “all seeing eye”, or other appropriate Masonic emblem. Adornments to the aprons should be of a matching color to the edging, but may include silver or gold highlights.
Past Master Aprons should conform to the qualities of the Officers’ aprons, but with additional latitude to adornment, and color (to exclude purple). "
Right at the beginning, the WMC specifies the officers aprons. Not the members. There are no restrictions for members or visitors aprons, for good reason. If someone from another jurisdiction came with a larger than normal apron (texas), would you prevent them from sitting in your lodge? What about someone from the UK, whose aprons were of different color and adorned with rosettes and tassels?
Anyway, for the specific question at hand, hearing someone say "We have our traditions" is the same things as "Because that's the way we've always done it". A wise brother once asked, "whose traditions?". As John pointed out, the "tradition" of the time of our founding fathers was rounded corners, usually hand painted and decorated as the brother saw fit.
Another question that was brought up last night before our stated meeting was "which point of the compasses is elevated above the square for the FC degree?". It was determined that because the book mark in the bible showed the right point, then that had to be the correct choice. I didn't want to publicly say anything, but this falls under a tradition, not any correct right or wrong decision. There is no rule or guide saying left or right, it just says one above the other. There are literally dozens and dozens of "traditions" that people are under the mistaken belief are actually rules. The lesser lights, when to turn them on or off? If candles, what order are they to be lit or extinguished? How do deacons and stewards carry their rods? What color hat must the WM wear? These are landmarks of a lodge. Traditions that they have developed over the years until it's taken on almost mythical proportions. I've been guilty of such perpetuation of so called rules myself, we probably all have, and probably without knowing it.
My suggestion is that folks when they hear someone talk about a specific rule, look at the WMC, and see if they are right, or simply expressing a tradition. Better yet, actually take the time to read the WMC. Become well versed with it, especially with areas that can get a lodge in deep trouble, such as voting and elections.
Sorry, yanked the steering wheel hard to the right yet again.
Every time I hear anything like "we've always done it that way", or read a rule in the WMC that seems like a rule for the sake of having a rule two questions come to mind: 1) why do we have that rule or habit, and 2) what bad thing would happen if we did it differently. If the answer to either of these questions is that I'm varying from the WMC my response is, "I need a better answer."
It is funny how with the passage of time (and even not all that much time) we come to see the little quirks we do to somehow become rules.
I was sitting in a Lodge last week that doesn't turn on the light above the Altar. A visiting Brother tried to bring the fact that it wasn't turned on to the WM's attention. The WM explained that he'd done some research on it and discovered that this Altar light wasn't a Masonic tradition at all. That it was something done in the Order of Eastern Star, and it simply became something that most all of our Lodges do.
I don't have any confirmation of the above, but I do know the WM fairly well and know him to be a student of Masonry, so have no reason to doubt what he said.
There are many examples of these things in our jurisdiction. I have been chastised when lighting real candles as the lesser lights that “I did it in the wrong order”. Or, turning them on or off before or after arranging the great lights. There are so many “rules” that don’t actually exist, mostly in the ritual. On the other hand, there are plenty of directions given in the ritual that get overlooked.
But there is nothing inherently “wrong” about having landmarks and customs within a particular lodge. In some cases, having the code be vague about some things is useful for lodges to actually make their ritual a little unique. For example, most lodges have different people give different small lectures within a degree, like the apron, g, lecture, or working tools. The ritual doesn’t say you can do that, in fact in places it specifically says it’s the WMs part. But we provide latitude in the degree to “share the wealth” so to speak.
I think allowing individualized aprons within some loose guidelines would be a way from men to express their personal journey through the Craft.
Agreed. We aren't a fast food company, individuality among Masons, and among Lodges is a good thing I think.
I scotland each lodge can have its own apron design. So in the “blue lodge” aprons can be light blue, dark blue, green, tartan or any colour you can think of. Some will be decorated with the lodge number some with thistles
Andrew
Unfortunately we don't have that level of freedom in my Jurisdiction. Here 'blue lodge' officer's aprons are white with blue trim and symbols of office, Grand Lodge follows the same pattern but with purple.
Some Lodges do include the Lodge Number, but they don't have freedom when it comes to color, size, or shape.