Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic York Rite Royal Arch Apron
1875-1900
Maker not marked
USA
Velvet, bullion, cotton, sequins
overall: 18.25 in x 20.25 in x .125 in; overall: 18"h x 20-1/2"w; overall w ties: 18"h x 25"w
Gift of Anonymous Donor
96.034.1

Masonic York Rite Royal Arch apron with rounded body and rounded flap; red velvet with gold taped edging and bullion fringe; false flap embroidered with all-seeing eye in bullion; body: embroidered with an arch and pillars, candelabrum flanked by incense urn, two six-pointed stars and a hand holding snake (Shamir); beneath a sprig of acacia, coffin and working tools of a Royal Arch Mason (crowbar, pick-axe, spade); reverse lined in red silk.

In addition to the many emblems that Masons use to teach the lessons of the different degrees to candidates, color also holds a symbolic place in Masonic ritual. Red, as exhibited in this embroidered velvet apron, is generally associated with the Royal Arch degrees. In these degrees the color red represents “ardor and zeal” as well as fire, “the symbol of the regeneration and purification of souls.” For further information, see Newell, Aimee E., “The Badge of a Freemason," 2015, p. 212-213; and Tabbert, Mark A., "American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities," 2005, p. 94.