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

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
Treasurer. This time, the officer's stations are not an exemplification of the
symbolism of the sacred number seven. However, as we shall see later, there is
numeric symbolism involved with regard to three, five, and seven. The diagram
depicted here shows a part of the formation during the opening march, the
officers forming a Latin cross, which is a direct religious symbol, whereas the
triangle, square, and shield formed in the DeMolay ceremonies are indirect
religious signs, or even profane ones. It is consistent here since the Job's
Daughters draw their examples from the Bible. However, they also use
triangular, square, and circular formations, as well as squaring.
The candidates are called "Pilgrims," and they gain knowledge by their
travels through three "Epochs," which are a parallel to the three stages of life
(youth, manhood, old age), as exemplified in the DeMolay order and Craft
Masonry. As to the symbolical clothing, the ritual explains that the Grecian robe
of the officers was worn by the people in the days of Job, and that the cap also
has a special significance: "The Mortar board cap which may be worn by the
members of the Bethel Choir, means open book, calling attention to knowledge,
thus the complete costume suggests a forward, upward and onward trend toward
higher ideals." (p. 4).
Certain people are eligible to witness the meetings and ceremonies of a
Bethel. These are Master Masons in good standing, and women of proper
Masonic relationship, as would be supposed, but also, strangely enough, the
parents or guardians of a member or candidate are admitted (cf. p. 9). This would
mean that profane relatives can also listen to the ritual.
Parallel to Masonic orders - as exemplified in our chapter about the Red
Cross of Constantine, for example - authorities of the Job's Daughters are entitled
to different forms of honors. There exist three types of honors, the "Bethel
Honors" (Sign of First Epoch), the "Grand Honors" (Sign of Second Epoch), and
the "Supreme Honors" (Sign of Third Epoch).
Bethel Honors: Honored Queens, Past Honored Queens
Grand Honors: the Supreme Officers who are not entitled to
receive the Supreme Honors; Associate
Grand Guardians, Past Associate Grand
Guardians
Supreme Honors: Associate Supreme Guardians, Past Associate
Supreme Guardians
The less important members or guests just receive a "Hearty Welcome," e.g.
the Present and Past Princesses (p. 41 - 42).
Opening Ceremony
Before the Opening Ceremony begins, the officers are lined up in the
anteroom. The Bethel Guardian, the Associate Guardian, and the Custodians