The universal language of Freemasonry [Elektronische Ressource] : a socio-linguistic study of an in-group's means of communication compared with ritualistic diction and symbolism of profane fraternities, and a survey of its general applicability / Christina L. Voss

Christoph Suschek

Sujets

• Social work

Informations

• Publié par: johannes_gutenberg-universitat_mainz
• Publié le: 01 janvier 2003
• Nombre de lectures: 29
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 62 Mo

Extrait

The Universal Language of Freemasonry












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This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Fachbereich 23, Angewandte
Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft of Johannes Gutenberg-Universität
Mainz in Germersheim in the year 2003 CE.
















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The Universal Language of Freemasonry.

A Socio-Linguistic Study of an In-Group's Means of
Communication compared with Ritualistic Diction
and Symbolism of "Profane" Fraternities, and a
Survey of its General Applicability.






Christina L. Voss







Düsseldorf
2003



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© 2003 by Christina Voss
Düsseldorf
All rights reserved











PRINTED IN GERMANY










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Table of Contents


1. Introduction...............................................................................15
1.1 List of Abbreviations...................................................................22
1.2 Notes on Spelling ........................................................................23

2. Historical Background: The Relevance of .Ritual and Secrecy
at Different Times and in various Geographical Areas .........24
2.1 England, the Isle of Club Life .....................................................46
2.2 Ireland and Scotland....................................................................50
2.3 Masonry and Politics in France and Italy....................................56
2.4 Masonry and Philosophy in Germany .........................................68
2.5 North America: Masonry for the Family.....................................73

3. An Overview of Masonic Rites.................................................78
3.1 Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite vs. York Rite ........................78
3.2 Freemasonry and Women: Adoptive Rites & Co-Masonry ........81
3.3 "Negro Freemasonry" (Prince Hall) in the U.S. ..........................87
3.3.1 The Official History of Prince Hall Masonry..............................92
3.3.2 Black Masonic Historical Tradition ............................................93
3.3.3 Black Masonic Self-Definition....................................................96
3.3.4 Prince Hall Freemasonry and Rivaling ...........................................
Fraternal Organizations...............................................................98
3.3.5 Financial and Job-Related Reasons to Join PHA ......................100
3.3.6 Prestige Reasons........................................................................105
3.3.7 Black Masonic Partisan Politics and ..............................................
the Civil Rights Movement .......................................................107
3.3.8 Problems of Universality...........................................................110

4. Signs & Symbols of the Three Degrees..................................115

4.1 Rooms and Furniture.................................................................117
4.1.1 The Lodge.................................................................................118
4.1.1.2 The Carpet, or Trestle-Board (Tracing Board)..........................125
4.1.2 The Chamber of Reflection, or Anteroom.................................131
4.1.3 The Hall of the Lost Steps.........................................................135
4.1.4 The Middle Chamber & the Winding Stairs..............................136 vii

4.2 Working Tools of the Different Degrees .................................. 141
4.2.1 The Square & the Compass ...................................................... 141
4.2.2 The Gavel or Mallet & the Chisel............................................. 145
4.2.3 The Trowel...............................................................................147
4.2.4 The Plumb Rule & the Level.................................................... 148
4.2.5 The 24-Inch Gauge ................................................................... 150

4.3 Clothing & Equipment.............................................................. 150
4.3.1 The Apron.................................................................................153
4.3.2 Cabletow, Blindfold, Metals..................................................... 157
4.3.3 Naked Knee & Breast, Slipshod ............................................... 160
4.3.4 Jewels and their Explanation .................................................... 163

4.4 Sign Language..........................................................................173
4.4.1 Old Builders' Marks.................................................................. 174
4.4.2 Alphabets & Cipher Writing..................................................... 177

4.5 Light Symbolism......................................................................194
4.5.1 Color Sym198

4.6 Main Masonic Symbols, their Meanings, and ...............................
Metaphorical Use in Language................................................. 204

First Degree
4.6.1 The Lamb..................................................................................208
4.6.2 Jacob's Ladder..........................................................................
4.6.3 The Point within a Circle.......................................................... 210
4.6.4 Personifications: Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance, Justice; .........
Faith, Hope, and Charity........................................................... 211

Second Degree
4.6.5 The Letter G ............................................................................. 213
4.6.6 "Shibboleth" - Emblem of Plenty and Secret Password............ 216

Third Degree
4.6.7 The All-Seeing Eye..................................................................218
4.6.8 The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars............................................. 219
4.6.9 The Three Steps........................................................................ 219
4.6.10 The Bee-Hive and the Pot of Incense ....................................... 220
th4.6.11 The 47 Problem of Euclid....................................................... 223
4.6.12 The Anchor & Ark.................................................................... 225
4.6.13 The Sword & Heart; the Sword & Book of Constitutions ........ 226
4.6.14 The Joined Hands.....................................................................227
4.6.15 The Spade, Coffin, Sprig of Acacia.......................................... 227 viii

General
4.6.16 The Lion....................................................................................230
4.6.17 The 46 Symbols on a Masonic Certificate analyzed .................234
4.6.18 Egyptian & Hebrew Motifs.......................................................239

4.7 Acoustic Signs...........................................................................242
4.7.1 Knocks......................................................................................
4.7.2 Passwords..................................................................................244
4.7.2.1 Spelling & Halving...................................................................245

4.8 Signs of Touch: Grips & Tokens...............................................245
4.9 Steps, Circumambulations, Perambulations, Squarings, ................
Travels,Formations249

5. Technical Terminology ...........................................................261
5.1 Architectural Terms..................................................................261
5.2 Behavior, Custom, Proceedings ................................................273
5.3 Biblical Terms...........................................................................286
5.4 Books........................................................................................288
5.5 Elements and Nature.................................................................292
5.6 Finances....................................................................................300
5.7 Mock Expressions.....................................................................301
5.8 Names of Persons and Institutions .........................