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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 617
Golden Rule, or Second Encampment Degree
The Second Degree is much more impressive, not being a Biblical play but
rather a lesson of toleration. Since tolerance is also the principle of Freemasonry,
we would like to outline several characteristics of this Odd Fellow degree,
beginning with the Encampment room diagram. We already see from the
formation that the Patriarchs assume the roles of different races, for which they
are furnished with special national costumes. Thus, the "white race" wears the
usual dress, the "brown race" wears a single-breasted frock coat or gown of black
material and a turban or red, or of India-shawl material. The "red race" is clothed
like the North American Indian, the "black race" wears the Nubian or other
African dress, the "Pagans" wear Chinese costumes, the "Mohammedans" dress
as Turks, Arabs, or Persians, with white turbans. There are also the roles of
artisans and professional characters, but these may be omitted.