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

Chapter 10 - Conclusion 837
this testing is normally quite rigorous.[...]" 2048 Lodges that verify whether visitors
are Freemasons in this fashion waive the vouching procedure.
The clothing custom likewise varies in different countries, and this topic is
dealt with very earnestly. Thus, wearing jewels of the Holy Royal Arch degree is
allowed in English lodges, in addition to Craft jewels, while "[t]his is not the
case in Ireland. In short, the wearing of non-Craft regalia of any kind is
prohibited in Irish lodges. Visitors will notice that, unlike English practice, Irish
Past Masters do not wear a Past Master's Collar. However, Irish Past Masters do
wear a Past Master's jewel, often on a cord around the neck." 2049 The hat example
given in a letter to the editor of the Masonic Review, N° 31, 1866, outlines
clearly the orthodoxy which some brethren or bodies claim for their customs.
Just like religions, philosophies, politics, etc., they simply argue that their way is
the only true and right one, since they have never seen another one, and when
confronted with one, they ridicule it. This hat example can stand as a pars pro
toto, because it is also valid for rituals and degrees, as will be shown later:
A man with limited views, and who has never been outside his own
neighborhood or jurisdiction, is accustomed to seeing the hat worn, and
in his view it would be very heterodox to wear any thing else. If he were
to travel a little, he would find Lodges where the venerable threecornered
chapeau is worn as the official covering, and the members
believe it is the only proper style. A little further, and he would find a
Lodge where the turban is used, and a hat would be denounced as
decidedly heterodox. In the next nation or jurisdiction he would find a
cap worn, perhaps adorned with a feather and ornamented with tinselry.
Now for the question of orthodoxy: the principle at stake is that the head
must be covered; but whether with a hat, cap, scone-bonnet, or turban, is
a matter of indifference. 2050
The writer the article above then states that a hundred years before, the
members of lodges in some jurisdictions used to wear swords, knee-buckles,
white vests, round coats etc., which to the critics of his time, 1866, would have
sounded completely preposterous: "A hat, and nothing but a hat, must be
worn," 2051 they would insist with the utmost stoicism. He goes on ironically,
[a]nd to introduce silk stockings, knee-buckles and breeches into a
Lodge, - to create light by gas or fulminating powder, or any other
contrivance than a tallow candle, - why it is preposterous, unmasonic, in
violation of the landmarks! Take away the charter at once, before the
2048 Ibid, p. 138.
2049 Ibid, p. 128/129.
2050 Moore, Masonic Review, N° 31, 1866, p. 262.
2051 Moore, Masonic Review, N° 31, 1866, p. 262.