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

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Chapter 8 - Categorization of Rituals
The publicity slogans are sometimes very effective. Eye-catching slogans are
used, like the triple motto "one world - on mankind - one brotherhood," or the
phrase taken from the German national anthem, "Brüderlich mit Herz und
Hand," on the German car sticker. The forget-me-not was a sign of recognition
among the Masons during the Nazi regime, where the square and the compass
could not be displayed in public without danger. Today, this symbol is known to
German Masons like the "Two Ball Cane" wordplay is common to their
American brothers.
Advertising for Masonic products is one thing. Despite our aversion towards
this form of trade, as the author of this paper we had to take refuge to such
dealers in order to gain material. However, sometimes the Masonic logo, the
square and the compass, or other symbols are used to advertise for profane
goods, which is totally against the philosophy of Freemasonry. Masonic authors
have expressed their disgust at such "un-Masonic conduct," and warned the
neophytes thereof. As Claudy puts it,
[...] there are a horde of abuses committed in the name of Masonic
business [...]. One of these is the use of the words "Mason" or
"Masonry" or "Masonic" or any similar expression, in advertisement,
literature, or business. It is against the laws of Masonry to use its
influence, its words, its symbols, for business purposes. The square and
compasses is your pride on your coat lapel; it is your shame upon your
business card. 1623
A further abuse, according to Claudy, is the demand, in the name of
Masonry, for business favors that would not have been granted without a
Masonic background. Freemasonry has high tenets and is no gathering place for
money makers and speculators. Insofar, Masonry distances itself from other
fraternal orders that welcome in-group commercialism.
The Masons have tried to prevent a misuse of their name and symbols by
including corresponding restrictive articles in their By-Laws. In the following,
four different books of constitutions will be observed as to how they deal with
the commercialization of the Craft - the laws of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, those of the Grand Lodge of California, of the Grand Lodge of
1623 Claudy, A Master's Wages, p. 68.