Why do Freemasons dress up for their meetings and have secret handshakes?
The secret forms of recognition among Freemasons go back to the Middle Ages when they were careful to protect the knowledge they drew on to build the great cathedrals. The different forms of dress – which are largely based on ceremonial aprons, collars and gauntlets – are to distinguish rank and also reflect protective garments worn by the original stone masons. In medieval times the apron was made of leather, tied around the waist and worn – probably from neck to knee – to protect the mason as he handled stone. The aprons that are worn at Lodge meetings are ceremonial and as the Mason progresses through the various degrees, the aprons and other ceremonial regalia become more ornate, to indicate different degrees. The most identifiable symbols of Freemasonry are the common tools that were used by the medieval stone masons – the gavel, the rule, the compass, the square, the level and so on. Various degrees of Freemasonry are associated with particular tools.
