A Brief History of Masonic Aprons
By B. Shawn Warren, Admin & CEO of Fratline Emblematics
As Speculative Freemasonry took root in England in the eighteenth century, the evolution of the Masonic apron began. Initially, Masonic aprons were made of lambskin, as those used by operative Masons. They were of various shapes and sizes and no "standards" were enforced. With the growth of the organization, apron designs took on a life of their own. As Speculative Masonry spread across Europe, the Masonic apron evolved into an artform. With the introduction of new degrees, such as the Royal Arch, the aprons were modified to appropriately symbolize the Mason's level of membership.
Early on, Masonic aprons went from plain to highly decorated. New fabrics were introduced such as silk. There are numerous aprons that survive bearing a wide array of symbols, much like the Tracing Boards of those periods. As high degrees developed in France, we see aprons becoming much more elaborate. Before regalia houses were established, a Freemason's wife, mother or sister probably made his personal apron according to his instructions. They were decorated using various textiles and methods such as painting, embroidery and needlepoint.
While Freemasonry flourished, the organizations that governed it's Lodges began to take shape in the form of Grand Lodges. Many of these Grand Lodges began to develop regulations for their regalia, partly to establish an identity. Thus, today we see standardized regalia in the Grand Lodge of England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and so on. Grand Lodges in the United States, tend to not have so many regulations. There are however, several jurisdictions that do. Examples are, Pennsylvania with their regalia being very "English." Other states have regulations as to size and style such as Colorado and Texas, stipulating a square, 16" x 16" body and square cut flap or bib. The Grand Lodge F & AM of Kentucky has no actual regulation but our "traditional" size apron has been 13" x 15".
Most Grand Lodges in the United States do have uniform aprons for the Grand Lodge officers and District Deputy Grand Masters. Often, Lodge officer and member aprons are left to the discretion and tastes of the Lodge or individual.
While Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction, Ill. Bro. Albert Pike not only restructured the Rite and rewrote it's rituals, he also designed the aprons and regalia for each degree. In subsequent years, as the Rite grew, it moved to theatrical presentations of the degrees and the regalia was only used during the conferral as an example. However, in Supreme Councils abroad that evolved from the Southern Jurisdiction, where degrees are conferred in a "Lodge setting", the aprons and regalia that Pike designed are still very much employed.
Within the past decade, we have witnessed a trend to "resurrect" vintage styled aprons and we are seeing more interest in custom aprons. Recently, Fratline designed and produced custom aprons and regalia for a Lodge in Louisville, Kentucky. The designs are various shapes, styles and sizes to suit the Lodge officers and Past Masters. I think we will continue to see that develop in the coming years.
A word about Fratline(tm) Masonic Aprons… We have been manufacturing Masonic aprons since 1991. While many manufacturers look for ways to cut manufacturing costs, we have kept our eye on consistency and quality. Our aprons are made using “old world” hand embroidery techniques rather than relying on computerized machines. In other words, our aprons feature the skill of trained artisans and craftsmen. Fratline(tm) Masonic aprons are made using our exclusive patterns, unique styles and hand selected materials and trims. We feel that our Masonic aprons are a tribute to your dedication and service to the Fraternity. That’s why we will ship you nothing but the very best quality of embroidery and tailoring. View our complete selection of Masonic Aprons at the link below.
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