The Masonic Apron
The following was written and proposed to be read as a Masonic Minute in my Lodge. Any Mason is free to copy and use it in their Lodge.
Various cultures use symbolic clothing for class distinction, merit, or honor. Our Worshipful Master's Marine Marksman ribbon is an example of this. But like that ribbon these symbols as usually not derived from functional articles as are the working tools in Freemasonry. These are rather well known, particularly the square and the compass which are the most public examples of our symbols. While each serve various purposes for both operative and speculative Masons they are accompanied by a frequently overlooked symbol that seldom is thought of as a tool, the apron. Certainly it is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a freemason, but is it a tool?
Farmers in New England are said to grow one thing especially well: rocks. Every season new rocks and boulders surface from the previous winter’s frost heaves and need to be removed before planting. If you have ever had to do this you know that rocks splinter, shatter, and launch themselves right at you when attacked by sledge hammers. Sturdy modern work trousers are a necessity, but our ancient brethren working as operative masons in the quarries of Zereditha had no such thing so they most likely protected their bare legs with a tough lambskin sheet draped from the waist. Thus it is of no surprise that those who recanted their involvement with the assassins of Hiram Abif appeared before King Solomon clad in white aprons.
It may well be that from this allegory one can assume the origin of the white lambskin being a token of innocence. However, scholars who trace the history of Freemasonry to a time before King Solomon point out that the Mithra mysteries of Persia invested the candidate with a white apron to show they were unsullied. Though we may never know its true origin we can still consider it a potent tool, albeit one with symbolism as its utility. Brother C. J. E. Hudspeth, P.M., Victorian Lodge of Research No 218 (Australia), wrote in 1949 that “The apron is a perfect square, its four right angles teach us that Purity, Truth, Sincerity and Honesty are the foundations of morality. Its four sides remind us to practice the four cardinal virtues - Temperance in word and deed; Fortitude in a noble purpose; Prudence in judging wisely; Justice to the humblest and greatest alike. The Square (or 'four') is the symbol of matter. Four was the emblem of matter to the ancients because they thought that the earth flat, square, and marked by the four points of the compass."
From this let me suggest that the apron is the most important of symbolic Masonry's tools. In one piece it embodies all the virtues, ideals, and hopes of our brotherhood. It is truly a badge of honor.
By the way, the Golden Fleece and Roman Eagle mentioned when bestowing the apron are honors given by British royalty, but that's another Masonic Minute.
