The Meaning of the
Laurel
by Harold Meij
The Laurel, commonly used in wreaths, plays an important role in
three Masonic (Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction) degrees, namely the 4th
degree (Secret Master), the 27th degree (Knight Commander of the Temple), and
the 32nd degree (Master of the Royal Secret). But what does the laurel
represent? It is interesting to note that in ancient times, a
wreath of Laurel was given to the victor in the Pythian games, whereas the
victor in the Olympic games was given a wreath of wild olives, the Nemean games
a wreath of green parsley. The laurel was said to communicate the spirit of
prophecy and poetry, and was seen as a
purifying plant with powers of immortality. It was, therefore, common to put
laurel leaves under one's pillow to gain inspiration through dreams. Today the
laurel is seen as a symbol for peace and victory. In the 4th
degree, the laurel signifies the hopeful expectation of success in the search
for the True Word, and is prominently displayed on the apron. The parallels to
victory are thus very evident in this degree. The 27th degree teaches us that
the laurel symbolizes the good opinion our brethren have for us, and again is
prominently displayed on the apron. The laurel is also used in the ceremony,
symbolizing victory over the passions, and is given to the candidate at the end
of the ceremony. The meaning of the laurel in the 32nd degree is not explained
but probably refers again to victory, being the last degree.
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