Correct Masonic Attire
Jan 10, 2013 12:42:29 GMT 9.5
Post by stepnwolf on Jan 10, 2013 12:42:29 GMT 9.5
Recently I read the comments in another forum about proper dress in L. There seems to be a movement toward more formal dress with tuxedos for officers in the line at least.
Still, in rural areas of the U.S. a suit seems to be the exception rather than the rule, since the BB meet after work and come directly from the workplace. The master's top hat, found in many areas of America, has been replaced by the Stetson in the southwest.
In the co-masonic lodges I've attended the top hat has been dropped, the white robe seems to be favored over the tuxedo (women might look strange in one). Still, I've seen dark suits in one L. here in the South. On certain occasions it would be appropriate to wear the miniature jewels of the degrees attained. In some areas they are not used at all.
There seems to be no uniformity in how the apron is worn: some tie it outside the suit jacket, if worn, and some inside even through special slits at the waist of a white robe.
Opinions are quite divided on the appropriate level of formality of dress in a L. Some feel too much attention is given to externals, that the rule should be to get the BB to L. no matter how they are dressed and we can met on the level.
At the other extreme is the feeling that a meeting has a sacramental nature, which would be enhanced by formal attire. In the changing room we drop the earthly and put on the spiritual.
How have you solved this problem?
Still, in rural areas of the U.S. a suit seems to be the exception rather than the rule, since the BB meet after work and come directly from the workplace. The master's top hat, found in many areas of America, has been replaced by the Stetson in the southwest.
In the co-masonic lodges I've attended the top hat has been dropped, the white robe seems to be favored over the tuxedo (women might look strange in one). Still, I've seen dark suits in one L. here in the South. On certain occasions it would be appropriate to wear the miniature jewels of the degrees attained. In some areas they are not used at all.
There seems to be no uniformity in how the apron is worn: some tie it outside the suit jacket, if worn, and some inside even through special slits at the waist of a white robe.
Opinions are quite divided on the appropriate level of formality of dress in a L. Some feel too much attention is given to externals, that the rule should be to get the BB to L. no matter how they are dressed and we can met on the level.
At the other extreme is the feeling that a meeting has a sacramental nature, which would be enhanced by formal attire. In the changing room we drop the earthly and put on the spiritual.
How have you solved this problem?
