The apron: a garment for all seasons
25 June 24
Following the success of the article ‘It’s no secret – Grannies Wear Aprons Too’ published in the Autumn 2010 issue of the magazine, it has been decided to take a closer look at a garment worn by men and women since time immemorial.
The first reference to aprons can be found in Genesis, Chapter 3 and Verse 7 of the Old Testament of the King James Bible: ‘And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons.’
This age-old garment has gone through many transitions since biblical times. It has been worn as protective clothing and for decorative, symbolic and religious purposes. Many reading this article will remember the various styles of apron which included the full-length or bib aprons, the simple waist aprons which cover the lower half of the body, the sleeved aprons and the pinafore aprons usually worn by young girls as a sleeveless overdress. Aprons are also used as part of the uniform for waitresses, nurses and domestic workers.
Up until the 1900s, a type of apron in the form of a cassock was worn by Christian clergy as part of their clerical clothing. It varied from knee length to full length and in the Anglican religion was coloured black for archdeacons and purple for bishops. It is thought to have derived from Ancient Roman and Grecian times and found practical use as a means of protecting the clothing of those clergy who visited their parishes on horseback.
Whilst our memories are mainly of Granny and her apron, she certainly didn’t have it to herself. Trades and professional people including blacksmiths, welders, butchers, bakers, stonemasons, carpenters and the medical profession also wear aprons to protect their clothing and bodies from their work. How many remember the cobbler’s apron which covers the front and back of the upper part of the body and tied at the sides?
Modern aprons are a far cry from the days when they were made of hessian. In addition to protecting clothing, the household apron was used for such practical purposes as a potholder, a hand towel, or for carrying produce from the garden to the kitchen. Although the protection of clothing has remained the primary reason for wearing the household apron, it is now regarded as a fashion accessory with a wide range of patterns, colours and trims available.
The materials now used are largely determined by the purpose of the apron and include leather, cloth, rubber, lead, oil cloth and PVC to name a few.
Nowadays the kitchen apron is worn by an increasing number of men due to the popularity of the back yard BBQ and an increased interest in television cooking programs.
As part of the masonic family, we are familiar with the masonic apron of which there have been countless variations and designs over time. A visit to the Museum of Freemasonry on the 3rd floor of the Sydney Masonic Centre will give those interested an idea of the development of the masonic apron and its use in the various orders of Freemasonry.
There can be little doubt that the masonic apron has been developed from the apron worn by the operative masons in the Middle Ages. It was fashioned from the skin of an animal and was large enough to cover the wearer from chest to ankles. It was held by a leather thong which passed around the neck and by leather thongs which tied around the waist. The use of this form of apron continued for many centuries until replaced by the more modern woven apron introduced in the eighteenth century.
The apron worn by speculative Freemasons today is now symbolic of the aprons worn by their masonic forebears and it is interesting to read the opening page of the recently published book, ‘It’s no Secret– Real Men Wear Aprons’ which quotes from the initiation ceremony of the First or Entered Apprentice Freemason Degree:
‘…the distinguishing badge of a Mason. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Garter or any other Order in existence, being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship.’
These are major claims indeed and it is worth having a brief look at the Orders to which the distinguishing badge of a mason has been compared.
The Order of the Golden Fleece was of high repute as an Order of Knighthood. It was established in Flanders, France in 1429 by the Duke of Burgundy, a member of the then royal family, who selected the fleece for its badge because wool was the staple production of the country. Since that time, it has been considered as one of the most illustrious Orders of Europe.
The Roman Eagle was to Romans the ensign of imperial power. Made of silver or bronze, the Roman Eagle was placed at the top of the pole of the military standards (circa 104 BC).
The Order of the Garter was and is still considered the highest decoration to be bestowed upon a subject by a sovereign of Great Britain. It is an Order of Chivalry of Knighthood originating in medieval England. It is the pinnacle of honour in the United Kingdom to have the Order of the Garter bestowed upon you.
Granny’s humble apron may not have such an illustrious pedigree as the masonic apron; however, it has developed into a garment which is worn with pride in all walks of life. For masons, the apron is a badge of membership and a bond of friendship; for Granny and those who have followed in her footsteps, it has become a badge of distinction and service.
>Extracted from the FREEMASON SPRING 2011 edition.
Read the article ‘It’s no secret – Grannies Wear Aprons Too’ here-> https://tinyurl.com/zhdvufd4 on page 12, Freemason March 2010.
Bibliography
Wikipedia, It’s No Secret – Real Men Wear Aprons,
ARS – Quatuor Coronatorum.