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

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 243
together of the handles of daggers is a sound symbol. Another one is the "shock
of enlightenment," made by clapping the hands and stamping the feet, for which
see Section 4.5. The most often heard sound in lodge is the rap of the gavel on
the desk of the Worshipful Master, who herewith calls the brethren to order,
opens, or closes a lodge.
Knocks as a sign of requiring order or as a sign to begin or close an action are
an ancient and universal symbol employed in tribunals, auctions, etc. The custom
of knocking was derived from the operative stonemasons of the Middle Ages.
Thus, the EOF cites from a source stemming from North Germany, Ordnung der
Steinmetzen, dating 1462, that "the Master should give three knocks, a Pallirer
[sic] two, consecutively; and in case the Craft at large were imperatively
demanded, one blow must be struck, morning, midday, or at eventide." 682
Masonic rituals do not explain why exactly there are three raps given at certain
occasions, and only one rap or two raps at another time. Presumably, this is
tradition, and a traditional rule is observed. An exception to mere tradition is a
particular situation in a ritual, for example in the Royal Arch degree where a
thrice rapping refers to the "three times three," the symbol and essence of that
degree (cf. Section 8.1.3). Some rituals have added a passage called "Use of the
Gavel" to their introduction. This occurs, for example, in a ritual of the Order of
the Eastern Star, where the following instructions are given: "One blow of the
gavel calls the Chapter to order, seats it when standing and completes its closing;
two blows call up the Officers; and three blows call up the Chapter." 683 The
directions tell the candidates and officers the sequence of the raps: "When giving
an alarm at the door, five raps shall be given, which shall be answered by five
from the other side. These will be followed by one from each side. Raps are
given in this manner, ** ** * *. The door will then be opened." 684
Compilers of Masonic textbooks, manuals, and rituals experience a certain
difficulty when trying to illustrate the rapping of the gavel. Some use points
("J.W., one (·); S.W., one (·)") 685 or stars (***) 686 representing single knocks.
Some describe the rhythm of rapping in words. Others even take the trouble of
illustrating a little gavel. 687
682
EOF, p. 416.
683
Cf. General Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star (publ.), New Ritual of the Order Eastern
Star, p. 9.
684
Ibid.
685
Cf. Duncan, p. 31. (J.W. = Junior Warden; S.W. = Senior Warden.)
686
Cf. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Ritual, p. 94.
687
Cf. A Lewis (Masonic Publishers) Ltd., Emulation Ritual, p. 158. ("WM" = Worshipful Master.)