The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 151
yoke, and apron, with gavel in hand, and says: 'Brethren will be properly clothed
and in order; officers repair to their stations for the purpose of opening.' " 428
What does the term "properly clothed" imply? The analysis of a theater play
by Claudy in Section 9.1.1.3 shows the great irritation of the brethren if
somebody "not properly clothed" enters a lodge in session. Improper clothing is
a Masonic offense, and the By-Laws of lodges and Grand Lodges clearly define
what their members have to wear on each occasion. Coil states that "[t]o clothe
in a Masonic sense is to put on certain Masonic insignia, which differ in different
degrees or places and on different occasions, and have differed at several periods
of history." 429 It becomes evident that proper Masonic clothing is not universally
defined. The essential item in the first three degrees is the white apron, whereas
in some places, white gloves are added. Everywhere, white aprons and gloves
have to be worn at funeral ceremonies. 430 The EOF lists several different
interpretations, depending on time and country:
A Mason is said to be properly clothed when he wears white leather
gloves, a white apron, and the jewel of his Masonic rank. The gloves are
now often, but improperly, dispensed with, except on public occasion.
'No Mason is permitted to enter a Lodge or join in its labors unless he is
properly clothed.' Lenning, speaking of Continental Masonry, [...] says
that the clothing of a Freemason consists of apron, gloves, sword, and
hat. In the York and American Rites, the sword and hat are used only in
the degrees of chivalry. In the catechisms of the early eighteenth century
the Master of a Lodge was described as clothed in a yellow jacket and a
blue pair of breeches, in allusion to the brass top and steel legs of a pair
of compasses. After the middle of the century, he was said to be 'clothed
in the old colors, viz., purple, crimson, and blue'; and the reason
assigned for it was 'because they are royal, and such as the ancient kings
and princes used to wear.' The actual dress of a Master Mason was,
however, a full suit of black, with white neck-cloth, apron, gloves, and
stockings; the buckles being of silver, and the jewels being suspended
from a white ribbon by way of collar. 431
Each Grand Lodge has defined the current "proper clothing" in its By-Laws.
Thus, The Ahiman Rezon, or Book of the Constitution of the Right Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania in its 1916 edition
states in Article XV. on "Masonic Clothing":
Sec. 1. Every Brother must wear a Masonic apron on entering a Lodge.
To be properly clothed for admission to Communications of the Grand
428 Duncan, p. 12. The Master is entitled to wear his hat, whereas the other members remain
uncovered.
429 CME, p. 136.
430 Cf. ibid.
431 EOF, p. 156.