Notice - WP:UP#OWN does not apply to this page. You are free to edit this page as though it were a mainspace article. --Marc Kupper|talk 05:55, 20 April 2010 (UTC)
This is a working document to see if an article about Masonic Symbolism is practical. Ideally, each of the symbols and interpretations documented here will be notable in their own right WP:NNC allows for non-notable content though WP:WEIGHT applies too.
Lead
editA peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
Mention tracing boards?
Historical:
- Symbols as mnemonic aids
- Evidence of early symbols (how early?... before the creation of Freemasonry?... then are they really "Masonic"?)
24-inch gauge and the common gavel
edit47th Problem of Euclid or the Pythagorean theorem
editAnchor and Ark
editAshlar
editSee Ashlar#Freemasonry (material is unsourced. Check for notability)
Rough ashlar ... smooth ashlar. (see if version where a stone is rough on one side and smooth on the other is notable.) (not notable... just rare)
Beehive
editSee Beehive#Beehive Symbolism (material is partially sourced)
Coffin, shovel, setting maul, and sprig of acacia
editCompass
editFive-pointed star
editOrder of the Eastern Star version is mentioned in main article but not Freemasonry. (this is because it is not used in Freemasonry proper... only in Eastern Star)
Ladder
editSee Jacob's Ladder
Lamb and lambskin apron
editLevel
editThe letter "G"
editThe letter "G" is frequently used inside the square and compass by English speaking lodges. The letter "G" is also displayed in a prominent location within many English speaking lodges. Freemasons define "G" as standing for God, Grand Architect of the Universe, and/or Geometry. Freemasonry requires that members believe in a deity and so "G" is used instead of spelling out "God" to avoid bias towards any specific religion. The letter "G" is also interpreted by Freemasons as a symbol for geometry. Stonemasons used geometry to help translate drawings or ideas into buildings and other structures. Geometry is also an important tool for exploring the world and universe around us. Thus, for Freemasons, the letter "G" connects to both the spiritual and physical world.[1]: 144–7
Handshake
edit(I am not sure if this counts as "symbolism"... but if so, I would point to Secret handshake as a more appropriate article)
Naked heart and the sword
editThe number three
editrepresent unity of earth wind and fire
Pillars
editPlumb
editPoint within a circle and parallel lines
editPot of incense
editSlipper
editSolomon's Temple
editSolomon's Temple article does not discuss Masonic views.
Scythe and Hourglass
editSquare
editSun, Eye, Moon, and Stars
editTrowel
editTyler's sword over the Book of Constitutions
editSymbols incorrectly ascribed to Freemasonry
editGoat
editNo, there is no actual goat anywhere in Freemasonry, a goat is not a Masonic emblem or symbol, nor is G.O.A.T. a Masonic term.
That said... When more than one candidate takes a degree, some lodges will choose to have one to act as an "exemplar" for parts of the ceremony (ie taking an active part in the rituals while the other candidates watch) ... this exemplar is often jokingly referred to as "the goat"... as in "scapegoat" (for more on this usage, see the third definition of "goat" at Wiktionary.) Similarly, there is a somewhat obsolete expression (rarely used today) that a candidate will "ride the goat" when he takes his third degree... this may refer to the "scapegoat" concept, but it is also a mild form of hazing (making the candidate think that he will be asked to do something embarrassing, such as ride a goat, during the degree)
All seeing eye
editDiscuss U.S. dollar and the eye over the pyramid. (already discussed at Eye of providence, as well as Great Seal of the United States)
Baphomet
editReferences
edit- ^ Hodapp, Christopher (September 30, 2005). Freemasons for Dummies. Wiley Publishing. ISBN 0764597965.
- True Masonic Chart and Hieroglyphic Monitor by Jeremy Ladd Cross (1819) (contains illustrations that will be out of copyright and thus usable on Wikipedia) On Google Books.
- Freemason’s Monitor or Illustrations of Masonry by Thomas Smith Webb. On Google Books.
- Illustrations of masonry by William Preston (1772) On Google Books.