What is Freemasonry?
The plumb, the compass, the square, the candlestick, the sword, the sun, the moon, the all-seeing eye, the temple, the pillars, the apron, the gloves, the apprentice, the journeyman, the master, and we could go on, listing only the most important ones. It isn’t easy to highlight the most significant ones, even among the most important ones. However, it is still important to clarify which of the symbols considered basic Masonic symbols mean what and what they can mean. This is because many symbols have multiple meanings.
First, let us clarify what the terms “symbol” mean. The word “symbol” is of Greek origin and derives from a word meaning “mark,” “stamp,” or “sign.” The term symbol refers to an emblem, a hidden connection between things in the world. Symbols are words, gestures, or objects that carry a specific meaning, and this meaning is fundamentally understood by those who belong to a given culture. |
| Some of our symbols are visible, but we also have invisible symbols. Visible symbols include language, gestures, and material culture.
Invisible symbols include decision-making mechanisms, conflict management strategies, and behavioral rules. These include ways of thinking and value systems, beliefs, norms, laws, emotions, attitudes, expectations, but also proverbs and sayings. The term associated with symbols is symbolism, which conveys the ideal reality behind things.
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What does the term “Freemason” mean and symbolize?The adjective “free” refers to the fact that only free men can be active in Masonic communities, or lodges. The interpretation of the term “free” has changed over time. Whereas in the past it referred to the idea of freedom, today, when freedom is respected as a fundamental value in democracies, the term “free” means that those who seek Masonic ideas and brothers, and who wish to become members of the lodge of their own free will, are free to do so. |
What does the term “stonemasonry” mean?This expression itself is symbolic. It refers to the fact that members of Masonic lodges build, primarily on themselves, striving to improve themselves and thereby make a better world. The roots of the Masonic symbol date back to the medieval stonemasons who built cathedrals and to builders’ guilds. Throughout history, from its origins to the present day, Freemasonry has consistently contributed to the improvement of societies, even when it was banned, offering alternatives to people disillusioned with the social conditions of their time, embittered in their thinking, and, in some cases, rootless. The three basic degrees of Freemasonry are also symbolic. The apprentice’s task is to expand his knowledge; he is still an uncut stone. The journeyman has been further polished, so he is now a polished stone. The master is the designer, and his tool is the drawing board. |
| Advice given to prospective apprentices during their initiation: “Today’s Freemasonry is a traditional and universal order originating from architecture, whose symbolism is passed on through initiation ceremonies. Its goal is to ‘become a center of unity and a means of forming true friendships between people who would otherwise remain forever distant.”
After the initiation of apprentices, the answer to the question “What is Freemasonry?” is: “A universal association of enlightened people who come together to work on the spiritual, moral, material, and intellectual perfection of humanity.”
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What is Freemasonry?The answer to the question is: The Copilot Definition is:
The Core Definition is:
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) said:
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A Hungarian poet answered the question:
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That is why this clarification is a fundamental task for seekers, especially for new apprentices just getting acquainted with Freemasonry.
