the symbolism of the gloves and apron
by V.W.Bro. L. Tustain, P.G.Lec, P.M.
Presented 24th June, 1948
Published in Selected Papers, Vol.2
United Masters Lodge, No. 167, Auckland, N.Z.
There is in the wearing of Craft Clothing, as in
everything else pertaining to Freemasonry, a symbolism. Briefly white gloves are
symbolical of clean hands, and are complementary to the lambskin apron, the
symbol of a pure heart. These two are of equal importance and are really
inseparable.
White Gloves
The custom of wearing white gloves is of great antiquity. In the Christian
Churches from the earliest times, while linen gloves were always worn by Bishops
and Priests when in performance of their ecclesiastical functions. The Bishops
always wore a thin plate of gold, called "a tassel" on the back of their gloves
to denote their high ecclesiastical rank. The gloves worn by the clergy
indicated that their hands were clean and not open to bribery.
In an indenture of covenants made in the reign of Henry VI between the
church-wardens of a parish in Suffolk and a company of Freemasons, the latter
stipulate that each man should be provided with a pair of white gloves and a
white apron.
While we have no written proof, as far as I know, that our ancient Operative
Brethren did moralize on the white gloves and apron after the manner of the
working tools, there is nothing to show that they did not.
Dr. Robert Plot, a non-mason, states in his "Natural History of Staffordshire",
1686, that "the Society of Freemasons presented their candidates with white
gloves for themselves and their wives."
In the general regulations of George Payne approved by the Grand Lodge in London
in 1721, Article 7 reads: "Every new brother at his making is decently to cloath
the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, ...." By 'clothing the Lodge' is
meant furnishing all the brethren present with white aprons and gloves.
In Count Tolstoy's well-known novel, "War and Peace", it states that "the
newly-obligated brother was then invested with a white apron, and received a
trowel and three pairs of white gloves, two pairs for himself and one pair for
the lady he most esteemed, after which the Master explained their symbolic
meaning to him."
In the Netherlands ritual the presentation of white gloves is still retained.
The candidate for initiation is taken upon three journeys; after the second
journey his hands are dipped in a basin of water, and a reference made to the
necessity of "clean hands" and purity of heart and life as an essential
pre-requisite to Initiation. On the completion of the third journey he takes the
Ob., after which he is led to the West, where he is invested with a white apron,
and is given a pair of white gloves to wear. He is presented with a pair of
lady's gloves, which he is directed to hand to her whom he considers most worthy
to receive them from the hands of a Freemason.
I do not know when the presentation of white gloves ceased to be the general
custom, but the wearing of them as part of the proper clothing of a brother is
still retained in New Zealand by ruling of the Board of General Purposes.
To-day the Supreme Court Judge is presented with a pair of white gloves if there
is a maiden session. This indicates "clean actions" or freedom from crime in
that particular city. This is a very old custom, for anciently, judges were not
allowed to wear gloves on the bench; so to give a judge a pair of gloves
symbolized that he need not take his seat.
Undoubtedly, the use of white gloves in Freemasonry is a symbolic idea handed
down to us through the ancient and universal language of symbolism, and, like
the apron, is intended to denote purity of life and action.
The White Lambskin Apron
In the Masonic apron two things are essential for the preservation of its
symbolic character, its color and the material. Its color must be white, because
that color denotes Purity, Simplicity and Candor, Innocence, Truth and Hope. The
Ancient Druids, and the Priests generally of antiquity, used to wear white
vestments when they officiated in any sacred service. The white lambskin apron
is, to us, a constant reminder of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct,
of higher thoughts and nobler deeds, which are the distinguishing
characteristics of a Free and Accepted Mason.
The Material
The material must be lambskin, as our ritual informs us the "lamb has been from
time immemorial an emblem of purity and innocence." Yes, Brethren, the dead lamb
whose skin we now wear was pure and innocent, but its purity was physical, ours
must be spiritual. To provide each of us with an apron, a lamb's life had to be
sacrificed. We too must sacrifice a life it we would worthily wear this badge.
We must kill self, for selfishness is the cause of all sins. Yes, we must give
up every selfish propensity which may injure others. We must dedicate and devote
our lives to His service, and endeavour to become more extensively serviceable
to our fellow creatures. The lamb's sacrifice entailed "death", ours - the most
supreme - demands a "life", a life of self-sacrifice spent in the service of
others, and that service to be given freely, without any thought of reward or
recognition. Remember: It is not how we die, but how we live that counts.
The Investiture
The presentation of the apron signifies that the Lodge has accepted us as a
worthy brother. It now entrusts to our care its distinguishing badge and with
it, and symbolised by it, comes one of the most precious gifts, the gift of
brotherhood, a brotherhood founded upon the Fatherhood of God. Remember, this
brotherhood is dependant upon the manhood of the brother.
The apron is Freemasonry's first and last material and tangible gift to its
members. It is also the first emblem that is explained to them. No other gift
that mere man can bestow can equal it in honour and dignity, now or in the
future. It is also the Badge of Equality, for Freemasonry regard the man, not
his rank, or social or financial position. Freemasonry ordains that all its
members shall be clothed alike. The lambskin apron is the clothing in which
Freemasonry dresses up. We stand before God and man equal with one another and
whatever may be our future advancement in then Craft, with the lambskin apron we
never part; it follows us into the grave, when all are equal in His sight.
Investiture Charge
During the presentation the brother is informed that this badge "is more ancient
that the golden fleece," etc. These words are used simply to impress upon the
newly-made brother the value and importance of the lambskin as a universal and
age old symbol. It does not claim that the Masonic apron is more ancient that
the orders mentioned, but that the symbolic apron generally, is far, far older
than the oldest order in existence. We know that centuries before the birth of
speculative Masonry, the Hebrew prophets wore aprons, and the High Priests were
so decorate. In the mysteries of Egypt and India aprons were worn as symbols of
priestly power.
The statement that our apron "is more honourable that the garter," etc., at
first appears to be a bold and sweeping one to make. Yet it is true, but only
when it is worn in strict compliance with the qualifying conditions mentioned in
the funeral service. "When worthily worn it is more honourable," etc. Yes,
brethren, what can be more honourable than a life well spent in acts of piety
and virtue, a life governed by the three grand principles upon which our order
is founded, B- L-, R- and T-? What can be more dishonourable than to clothe
ourselves with this bond of friendship whist entertaining feelings of animosity
against a brother? We cannot plead ignorance, for the advice and instruction
given in the charge after investiture are clear and distinct. If we ignore that
advice we disgrace ourselves and not the badge.
In conclusion, I need scarcely remind you that we, as Free and Accepted Masons,
make no claim to having attained to a state of perfection. Nevertheless
perfection must be the constant aim of those who are privileged to wear the
lambskin apron and the white gloves of the Craft.
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