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

Chapter 8 - Categorization of Rituals 685
3) To the third group (Flag present) belong
• the American Craft Masonry 1661 (Flag Ceremony; Allegiance
to the Flag; patriotic songs and remarks).
• The Holy Royal Arch (American Flag on the right of the
Treasurer) 1662
• the Order of the Eastern Star (which leaves it open for the
Chapter to decide whether after the Opening Ceremony, the
Flag is to be presented: "If the Flag of the Country is
presented, it should be presented at this time, and should be
placed in the East, at the right of the presiding officer." 1663 );
• the Amaranth (pledging Allegiance to the Flag 1664 );
• the White Shrine of Jerusalem (displays national Flag, whether
of the U.S.A. or Canada);
• the Modern Woodmen of America (Flag is saluted with
"Woodmen's Honors");
• the Knights of Pythias (Flag is saluted with military salute).
4) To the fourth group (special Flag Ceremony or ritualistic
procedure) belong
• the Grotto (M.O.V. P.E.R.):
The opening of every Grotto should be preceded by
the posting of the National Flag with appropriate
ceremonies. It is suggested that, if the Grotto has a
Patrol, a Color Guard in uniform be used and at a
given signal the Band, Orchestra, or a Pianist play a
patriotic march [...]. The Colors will then be posted in
the usual manner, followed by the singing of the
National Anthem. This may in turn be followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance. 1665
• the Order of DeMolay (the Flag is presented near the altar;
the Standard Bearer walks the Flag through the "Chapter;"
one of the "seven jewels" and one of the "seven candles" on
the altar are called "patriotism");
1661
Although in the rituals employed for this paper, the stage directions do not mention the Flag or
Flag Ceremonies, we here rely on the statement by Henderson and Pope that each American lodge
must display the American Flag.
1662
Cf. Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California, Ritual of the Grand Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California, 1993 edition, p. 112.
1663
General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, New Ritual of the Order Eastern Star, 1940, p.
35.
1664
Cf. Macoy, The Amaranth, 1963, p. 41 (U.S. Flag), p. 53 (Allegiance to the Flag).
1665
Supreme Council M. O. V. P. E. R. (ed.). Grotto Forms and Ceremonies, p. 6.