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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 523
discontent and misery. Keep this lesson ever before you, and by the
symbolic use of this glittering blade cover your name with honor [...].
(p. 95/96)
Hereafter, the candidate is conducted to the Associate Matron, who crowns
her with the Amaranthine wreath, the "Crown of Life," a symbolical crown that
excels the value of material emblems of royalty:
This is no diadem of gold; no cincture of pearls; no regal tiara; no
frame-work of gems, velvet-lined, like that which so often presses upon
the aching brows of royalty. That is a badge of power, frequently empty,
unsubstantial, and delusive. But our crown and our act of coronation
have a higher and a nobler meaning. We crown you as being eminent
for virtue, zeal, and well-doing, showing charity to the destitute, and
faithful in every walk of life. (p. 98)
The Associate Matron addresses the candidate in metaphorical language
("May all your footsteps fall upon flowers.", p. 98), wishing her a successful and
happy life. She employs the crown as a symbol for eternal life: "And as the years
roll along [...], may your ransomed spirit be crowned with the never-ceasing
favor of Almighty God." (p. 98). Then, the Royal Matron informs the candidate
that in addition to her obligation of secrecy, she is required to protect and defend
the Standard of the Order, which is handed to her by the Herald. The Royal
Patron holds a short lecture about the history of standards, beginning with the
emblems employed by the earliest assemblies of men for purpose of peace or
war, the banners of the tribes of Israel, and the Flag as the symbol of a nation. If
the Flag is insulted, the same is done to the nation. The Herald solemnly waves
the Flag over the candidate's head. Then, it turns patriotic, and "Home, Sweet
Home" is sung. The Royal Patron reminds the candidate that the Standard of the
Order
is no holiday standard, gorgeously emblazoned for gayety or vanity. No!
It is the synonym of the banner of Eternal Truth. The All-Seeing-Eye
upon it, with the winged messenger bearing the emblem of peace,
should encourage you to walk in the path of virtue. (p. 101/102)
The initiation ceremony having ended, the Honored Lady is led to the Place
of Record to sign the By-Laws of the Court. Afterwards, the Associate Matron
calls the Court to "recreation," which corresponds with the Craft expression
"from labor to refreshment."
At the initiation of a Master Mason, the same procedure is used, however,
the ritual recommends proper changes in addressing him. When it comes to the
coronation scene with the Amaranthine wreath, this ceremony is simply left out,
and he is immediately conducted to the west of the altar, where he receives the
"Standard of the Order lecture" by the Associate Matron. The ritual suggests an