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

4.6.14 The Joined Hands
Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 227
Another symbol the candidate learns in the lecture of the Third Degree is the
symbol of the joined hands, that profanes generally associate with a fraternity.
According to CME, the two clasped right hands are a sign of fidelity or a
pledge. 652 In Sickels' The General Ahiman Rezon, it is described as a pledge of
mutual assistance: "When the necessities of a Brother call for my aid and
support, I will be ever ready to render him such assistance, to save him from
sinking, as may not be detrimental to myself or connections, if I find him worthy
thereof." 653 The Text Book of Freemasonry states the same idea: "[...] we should
not be backward in stretching forth the hand to render him that assistance
[...]." 654
4.6.15 The Spade, Coffin, Sprig of Acacia
These symbols of death and immortality figure in the Third Degree of
Masonry, in which the candidate alias Hiram Abiff dies a symbolic death. The
setting maul as the tool with which he was killed is depicted near the coffin on
Masonic illustrations. While the spade and the coffin are profane symbols of
interment, the acacia is a sacred emblem in many cultures and highly esteemed in
Freemasonry: "The emblems [...] which are peculiar to this degree - the Spade,
Coffin, Sprig of Acacia, etc. - [...] are all expressive and eloquently instructive;
but we have always regarded the acacia as the most beautiful and significant; for
it speaks of immortality." 655 As the Hebrews carefully selected the trees, shrubs,
and flowers with which they adorned the graves of their loved ones, so it "should
[...] be the practice of modern Freemasons. The adorning of our graves with
those symbols of sympathy and ever-lasting affection [...] takes away the gloom
and terror of the 'narrow house.' " 656
652
CME, p. 309. Illustration taken from Sickels, p. 203.
653
Sickels, p. 203.
654
Anonymous ("Compiled by a member of the Craft."), The Text Book of Freemasonry, p. 185.
655 Sickels, p. 202.
656 Ibid.