Why Do Masons Wear Aprons?

Aprons of one kind or another have been worn for centuries to protect bodies from injury and clothing from being soiled with the by-products of the artisan’s work. Freemasons today wear Aprons—most commonly in the familiar rectangular shape with a triangular flap—for symbolic reasons, as well as to connect with our traditional past, and there is no doubt that the Freemason’s Apron evolved from the working aprons worn by European craftsmen.

Medieval working aprons were commonly fashioned from the tanned leather skin of an appropriately-sized animal, most likely a sheep, and the whole hide was used with minimal trimming. During these early times, the artisan’s apron was therefore worn as a full skin extending from chest to ankles. The fall was typically held up by means of a leather thong around the wearer’s neck, and the apron was fastened around the back using a strip of leather attached at the forelegs on either side. If the artisan did not wish to have his chest covered, the fall was allowed to hang forward, creating the familiar apron flap.

This somewhat shapeless affair sufficed for many centuries, although refinements gradually began to appear. The simple tanned hides were increasingly trimmed and finished, and different kinds of artisans began to modify their aprons to suit their needs. For example, a blacksmith would still want full protection from chest to ankles whereas a wright (carpenter) might prefer a short apron that favored mobility. By the late seventeenth century, a typical stoneworker would have worn a full apron extending to the knees, with a fall in the front. There also began to appear buttonholes at the tip of the fall so that the flap could be turned up and secured to a button on the wearer’s coat or waistcoat when needed to protect the clothing.

And that’s what brings us to today.

One of my favorite things about Masonic Ritual and Practice is how it preserves customs that arose for specific purposes a few hundred years ago, and which purposes it no longer serves.

As you no doubt have noticed, Masons have a custom of walking around the outside of the Lodge room and making 90 degree turns whenever possible. This is something a few Brothers have a tendency to overdo by making a series of zigzag turns to navigate the diagonal pathway from the outer door into the “Working Area” of the Lodge room, which really isn’t necessary as the custom of squaring the Lodge applies only in the main space of the room.

So, you might ask: Does this practice have any particular symbolic significance? The answer is, “No.” The custom of walking around the outside of the Lodge room and making 90 degree turns arose during a time when a common practice among Masons was to deploy a reusable floorcloth or carpet decorated with the symbols of the Degree in the middle of the Lodge room. We started walking around the outside of the Lodge room for the entirely mundane reason that we didn’t want to soil the floorcloth with our dirty shoes. Then, as with many things in Masonry, when we stopped the regular use of floorcloths and the reason for the custom was no longer there, we continued the custom of squaring the Lodge anyway.

It’s okay. I’m here for you.

First, you may recognize this symbol: a circle, with a point, and two parrell lines. That’s it. The Point Within A Circle is also one of the oldest symbols, ever – not just in Freemasonry but in the history of humankid, old. And as an ancient symbol, it has numerous applications, interpretations, and meanings. Masonically speaking, we are told to use The Point Within A Circle as technique to prevent our selfish interests from overtaking our day, keeping our duty to God, fellow men and Masons in focus.

Okay, so how does this make me a “better man?” My simple suggestion would be to look for examples of this symbol manifesting in daily life. In your actions and relationships with others, are you putting yourself in the “center” of the moment? The concept of “intention” is very popular in self-improvement teachings today, but the idea is not new: measure what matters, determine your position, act in harmony with others, and strive to “close the circle” in daily interactions. In action words:

• Thoughtful
• Collaboration
• Complete

Need another example? No problem. Think about the Closing of Lodge, specifically the moment when we are all gathered around the altar in a… circle. Yeah, go there mentally. What does the energy in the room feel like? The tone in the Master’s voice. What is your mindset when this moment takes place? We are literally “closing” our symbolic Lodge until the next time we meet to “open.” That feeling, imagine how you can make your engagements with others that meaningful. It’s possible. You just need to know your Point Within The Circle.

Action steps:

• Using the symbolism of The Point Within A Circle, I am going to physically and emotionally attempt to be in the “center” of my interactions with others.
• What makes my relationships matter more? Investing (by listening and actually caring) in their passions and concerns while balancing mine.
• My circle serves as the boundaries for my actions. I need to make sure I consider how my behavior impacts interactions and outcomes. I should be thinking what I can do better to make even the smallest point, matter.