DRESS SYMBOLISM
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Blindfold. According to Freemasonry the blindfold
represents the inability of the candidate to learn the secrets of
Freemasonry in an improper way. Essentially it represents a state of
ignorance. In the first degree it is removed after the candidate declares
his wish to seek the ‘light’ of Freemasonry.
However, biblically, the blindfold is used in only one instance and this
implies an alternative and more sinister meaning.
The blind fold is used upon Jesus Christ after he was captured and during
beating. This is its only biblical usage.
Cabletow. The word itself is specific to Freemasonry and
will not be found in a dictionary. It consists of a rope around the
candidates neck, typically in the fashion of a noose.
According to Freemasonry it is representative of the bond to
the fraternity. In early Freemasonry it was used as a symbol representing
the candidates submission to the authority of Freemasonry, humility,
servitude and even a possible penalty should the candidate betray the trust
placed upon him.
However, taken at face value it is representative of hanging.
Biblically, the principle of hanging has profound significance. To be hung
on a tree is described as a curse because those killed in this fashion were
cursed by God, Deut 21:22&23. Yet, in the N.T. the crucifixion is described
in precisely this manner in Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29 and Gal 3:13. The
crucifixion represented the most shameful death the bible had to offer Jesus
Christ. The cable tow or noose refers to the mechanism of death of Jesus
Christ. |
Slipper & Shoe. According to Freemasonry the removal of a shoe is an
ancient and accepted method of entering a solemn and legal agreement. The
slipper, or to be slipshod, is representative of the candidate entering
Freemasonry neither clothed nor shod.
The removal of a shoe is found in association with the First Degree password
Boaz. However, this is not the pillar Boaz in Solomon’s Temple. Rather, it is
King David’s Grandfather, named Boaz. Ruth 4.
It is indeed representative of a solemn agreement. However, it is
specifically a display of the submission and cession of a right over something.
In the King James version it is repeatedly described as a relating to
redemption..
One wonders what right the candidate is submitting. Indeed, the Master Mason
may be asked ‘What did you give to become a Freemason?’, to which the standard
reply is ‘My shoe’. It is suspected that the symbolism is supposed to represent
much more than a shoe.
A slipper is worn. In the First Degree the right foot is slipshod. In the
Third both feet are slipshod.
Slipshod literally means to have shoes down at the heel. Alternatively, mule
type slippers are used. The effect is the same, the heel is deliberately
exposed.
Biblically, the heel is especially significant. It is the specific body part
which is attacked by the devil in Genesis 3.
Bare Legs. Freemasonry provides no explanation of why the legs are
exposed by the candidate during the initiation other than that the candidate
enters neither clothed nor shod. In the Third Degree both legs are exposed.
Biblically, the only text which encourages the baring of the legs is
contained in Isaiah 47. This concerns Babylon, which is of-course associated
with the biblical Harlot of Revelations.
This association is given more credence when the popular Masonic term ‘Son of
the Widow’ is considered. The same chapter also describes Babylon as a widow.
Furthermore, the symbol of the masonic eye also has an association with
Babylon.
Bare Breast. In the First Degree the left breast is exposed and the
compass held to it, representing the heart, the repository of the secrets of
Freemasonry. Freemasonry provides no explanation of why the right breast may be
exposed in the Second Degree (variations of ritual in geographical areas) or why
both breasts are exposed in the Third Degree.
Genesis 3, which first introduces the devil, associates the breast with the
devil.
Bare Arm. Freemasonry provides no explanation of why one arm is
exposed or why both are exposed in the Third Degree.
It is likely representative of reaching. In this regard please use the link
to another illustrated site which deals with this.
Apron. If a search for keywords is carried out it can be seen that the
apron only appears in two locations in biblical text.
It is not surprising that the first of these is Genesis 3. This is the same
biblical chapter from which the symbolism of the bare breast, exposed heel and
the bare arm are taken.
The apron is referred to after the original biblical deception by the devil.
Adam and Eve sewed together fig leaves to create aprons.
Consequently, and in consideration of the other dress symbolism employed, it
is difficult to imagine another interpretation for the meaning of the apron
other than it being a celebration of the success of the original deception.
Biblical Text Used
Biblical quotations in this site are taken from
two sources. The first of these is the King James Bible, which is logical for an
organisation perceived to be Protestant at the time of its official formation in
England in the 1700’s.
The second is the Douay Rheims, a Catholic
version of the bible popular in the 1700’s. It may not be widely appreciated but
Freemasonry described itself as ‘Masons of the Catholick religion’ Article VI,2
of the Old Charges 1723 and as ‘Masons of the most ancient Catholic religion’ in
the same charges, Article VI.1, in 1738. The latter is the same year as the
first Papal announcement was made condemning Freemasonry.
Consequently, the use of a Catholic version of
the bible is an ideal avenue for disguise for a secret so called Protestant body
and it is used as a source of biblical information in the initiations.
Which Protestant of the day would have even
considered the possibility that a Catholic version of the bible could have been
employed by Freemasonry? None, unless they were indeed religiously tolerant. A
principle which Freemasonry teaches.
Hence the quotations included in this site are
taken from either the Douay or the King James Versions of the Bible. Both have
been employed by Freemasonry
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