Masonic Aprons

A Masonic apron is a very important symbol of the Freemason order. It has been around for a long long time. The earliest evidence of such an apron is seen in a 1717 portrait. These were large, covering a person from chest to ankle, with a unique tying process - the bow and strings in the front. With time, the apron length decreased and other design changes were made. The top flaps buttoned up, then turned down, triangular and then semi circular, the lower part first squared then semi circular, leather thongs replaced by ribbons... the changes continued. Artistic impressions in paint and embroidery were seen on these aprons from 1760 onwards. For a short while aprons were even worn upside down! Hierarchy came to be depicted in the use of golden trimmings, specific colors etc. Tassels and rosettes were added to enhance looks. These aprons have always had a buttonhole on the flap. This buttonhole is meant to be buttoned through a button on the wearer's coat or shirt front.

The Masonic apron functions as a badge; it marks membership of the fraternity. An unchallenged rule is that a member must always wear his apron in the Lodge. The apron is considered to be a symbol of fraternal values. It functions as a bond of friendship between members of the Lodge. The use of the apron may seem frivolous to outsiders. But by insisting upon its usage members ensure that it serves as a reminder to the historic heritage of the order. The amount of importance attached to aprons can be gauged from the fact that in 1892 a member wrote an exhaustive lengthy paper on the Masonic Apron complete with illustrations. Highly informative, this paper is recommended to all Masonic students.

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