The white apron

27 February 25

The day you became a mason

By RW Bro W Richards, OAM

Can you ever forget the feeling of achievement you derived when the Senior Warden invested you with the badge of a mason ... the Entered Apprentice white lambskin apron?

Do you recall the words of the charge he articulated pronouncing how important and historical such an adornment really happened to be, and that regardless of how far you may travel in progressive degrees, or the colours and attachments it may have appended to it – nothing would ever alter the gravity and declaration of the white masonic apron. Yes, after all these years, it remains a bright and constant reminder imprinted on the mind of the relevance of the badge of a mason.

So for those who have forgotten maybe some facts addressed we will refresh two points, viz:‘...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. You will observe that this apron is made from the skin of a lamb...’ To further illustrate the historical reason of two main items here be the translation for you.

The golden fleece

The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Phillip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in January 1429 on the occasion of his marriage with Isabella, daughter of King John I of Portugal. The Order was instituted for the protection of the Catholic Church, the Fleece was chosen as the emblem because wool was the predominant product of the lower European countries in which the Order flourished. The number of the Knights of the Order was 24. In 1433 the number was raised to 30, all gentlemen of birth. The last Chapter of the original Order was held by Phillip II of Spain in the Cathedral of Ghent.

The Roman Eagle

The Roman Eagle has an interesting history. The eagle was highly esteemed among the Romans. It was usually depicted with outstretched wings sometimes of gold and silver, but most frequently of bronze. It was carried at the head of a staff in the same manner as a banner.

The eagle borne upon a spear appears to have first been used by the Persians. The Romans took the idea from them, and used it as an emblem of honour, to be carried before the chief ruler. In 1804 Napoleon had metal eagles as a symbol of their empires. The symbol of the USA is that of the Bald Eagle. In 1701, Frederick I of Prussia founded the Order of the Black Eagle. The number of Knights was limited to 30, exclusive of princes of royal blood. The revisions of our rituals probably selected the reference to the Roman Eagle as it was the highest emblem of dignity, honour and power of the famous Roman Empire.