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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 607
The candidate has to affirm that he desires to receive this degree for the
purpose of promoting his "moral and intellectual welfare" (p. 124), which shows
again the growing distance from a mutual benefit society and the approach to a
spiritual organization, like Freemasonry. The Vice Grand asks the members
whether they are satisfied with the candidate's answer, and when all have given
their consent, the Conductor leads the candidate to the Noble Grand, who
demands the officers to explain the symbols of the degrees. When this is done,
he gives him the grip and signs of the degree, and the whole lodge welcomes him
as a brother, which concludes the "ceremony," or rather "lecture."
In the following, we will give the symbols and their explanations with their
proper illustrations out of the Odd Fellows' ritual, in order to compare them to
the Masonic symbols. It has to be noted that not all synonymous symbols have
been "stolen" from Freemasonry, since Masonry has also adopted more ancient
emblems, e.g. from Egypt, or from the Bible.
7.3.2.1.2 Symbols of the Three Degrees
Initiatory Degree
There are four symbols of the Initiatory Degree, the All-Seeing Eye, the
Three Links, the Skull and Cross-Bones, and the Scythe.
At first there is the All-Seeing Eye, which also figures in Freemasonry but
already belonged to the ancient mysteries. It is the special emblem of the initiate
and should remind him that, enveloped in a blaze of light and glory, the
scrutinizing gaze of God is ever upon him. It also teaches him that God in his
sleepless goodness looks kindly and pityingly upon him (cf. p. 125/126).
The Three Links are a peculiar emblem of the Odd Fellows (thence their
nickname) and represent the motto of the order, Friendship, Love, and Truth:
"They belong to that long chain of moral principles that bind us together as a
fraternity. They are welded in the fires of purity by the sacred hands of Jehovah."
(p. 126/127). Bound with this chain, the brethren are to live in the bonds of peace
and harmony, in order to pursue their labors "for the amelioration of our race" (p.