Legends and symbols of Freemasonry

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

8 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

05/29/2009

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Social sciences

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 16.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction
Freemason legends
Freemason symbols
1. The lodge
2. The deity
3. The two columns of the temple
4. Skull and crossbones
Freemason artifacts
1. Floor cloths and tracing boards
2. Regalia
3. Costume and uniforms
4. Jewels and medals
5. Swords
6. Furniture
Bibliography

Abstract

freemasonry has played a significant role in the histories of England and the US. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other American notable were Freemasons. Members of the British royal family, aristocracy, and scientific elite have been, and continue to be, Freemasons, while some Freemason organizations in the US have become more charitable organizations, running hospitals and helping children.
For centuries the bases of freemasonry were kept secret, with members taking vows of silence about the stories and rites of the order. Secrecy is hard to maintain over a long period of time, though, and the secrets leaked out. This paper presents an overview of Freemason legends, symbols, and artifacts to provide readers with an insight into the organization that has attracted so many influential people over the centuries and continues to thrive today.Though the secrecy surrounding freemasonry has led to fear of the Masons and accusations against them, freemasonry is fundamentally about an individuals search for spiritual attainment, symbolized by the attainment of degrees in the order. The purpose of the order has been to maintain purity and integrity, and in modern times, to help others. Members achieve this by calling on the traditions of the past. All of that is reflected in the legends and symbols of the order.