What is Masonry and how does it relate to Shriners International?
In order to become a Shriner, a man must first be a Master Mason. The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. It dates back hundreds of years to a time when stonemasons and other craftsman on building projects gathered in shelter houses, or lodges. Over the years formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their desire to be fraternal brothers.
The basic unit of Masonry is the Blur Lodge, where members earn the first three Masonic degrees. The highest degree is Master Mason. Men who wish to become Shriners must first achieve Master Mason status – that means all Shriners are Masons, but nor all Masons are Shriners.
Where did the fraternity’s theme come from?
The fraternity’s distinctive theme comes from founders Billy Florence, an actor, and Walter Fleming, a physician. Fleming and Florence wanted the fledging fraternity to have a colorful, exciting backdrop and it’s believed that Florence conceived the Arabic theme after a tour of Europe.
It’s important to know that, although the original roots of the theme carried an aura of mystery. Shriners International is not a secret society.
Why do Shriners wear a Fez?
The red fez with the black tassel is one of the fraternity’s most distinctive symbols. It derives its name from the place where it was first manufactured, the city of Fez, Morocco. The fez was chosen as part of the Shriners’ Arabic theme, which is also the basis for the color and pageantry of the organization’s events.
