A Masonic badge is an emblem or insignia worn by Freemasons to signify membership in the fraternal organization known as Freemasonry. Masonic badges come in many shapes and forms, but often incorporate common Masonic symbols such as the square and compasses, the letter “G”, or architectural tools like the trowel, plumb bob, and gauge. Wearing Masonic badges and other insignia helps Freemasons identify each other, promotes a sense of fraternity, and honors Masonic traditions.
History of Masonic Badges
The use of Masonic badges and jewels emerged in the 1700s shortly after the formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717. Early Freemasons adopted simple symbols like squares and compasses to identify their membership. By the later 18th century more elaborate Masonic jewels became popular, incorporating precious metals and gemstones. The tradition of Masonic badges was carried forward as Freemasonry spread globally. Regional styles and designs developed over time.
In the United States, the use of Masonic badges and jewels was well established by the early 1800s as American Lodges adopted their own insignia. The symbols and motifs drew on early European roots as well as American innovations like adding stars, eagles, and other patriotic emblems. Standardized Masonic badges eventually became commonplace in America to clearly validate that the wearer belonged to a recognized Masonic body.
Common Elements of Masonic Badges
While Masonic badges come in many varieties globally, most share some common core elements that signify Masonic membership.
The Square and Compasses
The most ubiquitous Masonic badge feature is the symbol of the square and compasses, often interlaced. The square represents morality, truthfulness, and virtue. The compasses represent boundaries and personal conduct. Together, the square and compasses convey the central tenets of Freemasonry – morality and ethics.
The Letter “G”
The letter “G” is another emblem found on many Masonic badges. It stands for both God and Geometry, cornerstones of Masonic tradition. The letter G reminds Freemasons of their reverence for a supreme being and the importance of moral geometric principles.
Architectural Tools
Other common Masonic badge elements include architectural tools like the level, trowel, plumb rule, and gauge. These represent important Masonic lessons – equality, spreading brotherly love, upright thinking and conduct, and measuring our duties.
Precious Metals and Stones
Incorporating precious metals like gold and silver along with semi-precious stones is a common way to embellish Masonic jewels and badges. The specific colors and materials often carry symbolic significance. Blue and white are common colors representing friendship, charity, and integrity.
Types of Masonic Badges
There are several main types of Masonic badges worn by Freemasons:
Jewels of Office
These badges designate leadership roles and officer positions within the Lodge structure. The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden and other leaders wear specific jewels of office.
Past Master Jewels
After serving as Worshipful Master, Masons may continue wearing a Past Master jewel. The specifics and privileges of wearing Past Master jewels vary between Grand Lodge jurisdictions.
Lapel Pins
Small lapel pins with Masonic symbols are often worn by Freemasons on jackets, hats, and other clothing to identify their membership.
Draped Badges
Larger ornamental medals with Masonic symbols are suspended from ribbons and worn around the neck for formal Masonic occasions and events.
Worldwide Badges
Masonic badges incorporating globes, chains, arrows, stars, and other symbols represent worldwide brotherhood and the universality of Freemasonry.
Shrine Pins
Worn by members of the Shriners fraternity, these often depict a scimitar, crescent, or fez hat – symbols related to the Shriners’ Middle Eastern theme.
Regalia and Accoutrements
Beyond badges with Masonic symbols, members also sometimes wear more extensive regalia and accoutrements as part of their attire at Lodge meetings and formal events:
Aprons – Lambskin or white aprons are worn by Freemasons during rituals and gatherings. The aprons may include Masonic symbols and embroidered designs.
Collars – Grand Lodge officers often wear chains/collars from which badges of office are suspended.
Gloves and Gauntlets – Gloves form part of formal Masonic regalia, usually white or yellow depending on rank.
Sashes – Red, blue, purple, or other colored sashes may be worn diagonally over a jacket or vest.
Hat and Coat – Some Masonic groups have distinctive hats like black fezzes with an embroidered symbol or a ceremonial top hat with tails.
Women and Masonic Badges
Since Freemasonry is traditionally restricted to men, female relatives were not permitted to wear Masonic badges. However, some Masonically affiliated bodies like the Order of the Eastern Star developed so women related to Masons could participate. The Eastern Star has its own badges featuring a five-pointed star and colors with symbolic meaning.
As Freemasonry evolves, more Masonic bodies now allow both men and women, leading to greater equality in the use of Masonic insignia. However, practices still vary between different Grand Lodges and jurisdictions.
Prominent Masonic Badge Styles
While Masonic badges share common symbols, their specific style and design varies between regions, eras, and Masonic bodies:
Double Headed Eagles – Used in Scottish Rite Freemasonry, these feature an eagle with two heads looking left and right.
Red Cross of Constantine – A cross between four letters “B” (from Latin: Beatitudo, Charitas, Fides, Spes).
Knights Templar – Displays a cross in a crown to represent ties to medieval crusader knights.
Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine – Intricate designs with a scimitar, crescent, pyramid, sphinx and/or fez.
Order of the Eastern Star – Features the Eastern Star symbol and colors blue, yellow, white, green and red.
Grand Lodge of Scotland – Contains thistles and castles relating to Scottish symbolism.
Prince Hall Freemasonry – Unique designs and motifs relevant to African American heritage.
Regulations on Wearing Masonic Badges
Masonic jurisdictions and Grand Lodges have guidelines for properly wearing regalia, jewels, and insignia:
– Only members in good standing may wear official badges.
– Past Master jewels are generally only worn by actual Past Masters of a Lodge.
– Higher ranking Masons may wear more elaborate adornments.
– Protocols guide when/where badges may be worn. At minimum they are worn at Lodge meetings.
– Wearing Masonic badges for profit or false impersonation is prohibited.
– Masonic secrets and rituals may not be revealed when explaining badges.
Masonic Badges in Pop Culture
Given the public prominence and mystique of Freemasonry, Masonic symbols have made appearances in movies, music, and other media:
National Treasure – The 2004 film featured prominent use of Masonic symbols and history in the search for treasure.
The Simpsons – Multiple episodes make jokes about Freemasonry and parody Masonic symbols and rituals.
Assassin’s Creed – This popular video game integrates Masonic references from the Knight’s Templar into its storylines.
Dan Brown Novels – Books like The Lost Symbol and The Da Vinci Code weave Masonic lore through their plots.
Lady Gaga – The pop singer was accused of mocking the Masonic Eye of Providence symbol in her “Born This Way” music video.
The Missouri and Iowa Breaks – Marlon Brandon portrayed a con man posing as a Mason to pull off schemes in this 1976 Western film.
Conclusion
In summary, Masonic badges serve an important purpose for Freemasons worldwide. The badges emerge from centuries of tradition and incorporate common symbols conveying morality, ethics, and the Masonic quest for truth and self-improvement. While often mystifying to outsiders, Masonic insignia help members define their identities and display their affiliation with one of the world’s oldest and most influential fraternal orders.