Freemasonry, often called the “Craft” by its members, is founded on metaphors of architecture. Following the practice of the ancient stonemason guilds, Freemasons use special handshakes, words, and symbols to not only to identify each other, but to help, as William Preston said in 1772, “imprint upon the memory wise and serious truths.”

Although every new Freemason takes an oath – and vows to keep secret the metaphors of Masonry – the metaphors are only used to help Masons become better men; and there’s certainly no secret surrounding what it takes to be good and true.

Despite being in a skilled trade the stonemasons most of them could not read or write. Handshakes and passwords were the easiest ways to prove that you belonged to the craft. Engineers and archetects would by need, have to know how to read and write. 80% of Europe’s population could not read or write until well into the 20th century. Learning by rote was quite common. This tradition of grips, words, tokens are a carry over from those days.

The grips and words also enabled fellow stonemasons to help, aid and assist each other.

Some years ago I was pleased to join other Masons on a brief trip to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to meet other DR Masons. The exicitement of the trip included being brought to the Cathedral that has housed the remains of Christopher Columbus.  There on the ancient wall next to vault was the ancient “Mark” of the Masonic Stonemason workman.  The idenification of one mason to another was also to show the mark of the quality of the workmanship. And it was explained that the protection of that trade depended on quality and integrity of that work. Since that time the subtle idenification of masonic symbolism has intrigued me and I literally search it out. Anyone can buy a ring or lapel pin, but its the deeper philosophical and symbolic “marks” that count.