Debate over how to wear Masonic Jewelry and Emblems

Debate about wearing Masonic emblems

         There is no hard-fast rule with regard to wearing Masonic rings or other jewelry. This subject is one which Grand Lodges have made no regulation, and popular opinion is divided.

When the Square and Compasses is displayed on a building, pennant, button, or watch charm, universal custom requires the points of the compasses point downward. When displayed on the altar, they point away from the Master.

         Some say, that as the wearer of a pocket watch views it, the points are down and away from his eyes. In a similar way, he should view the emblem on his ring with the points down, away from his eyes.

         Others say the square is the symbol of earthly and the compasses of heavenly perfection. As a combined emblem the ends of the square point up as a symbol of man’s aspirations towards God; the points of the compasses represent heavenly qualities coming from the Supreme Architect as viewed by the eyes of the wearer.

         I maintain that a ring is usually a gift from a loved one, and has sentimental value for the wearer. It doesn’t matter whether the points go up or down!! In truth, I believe there is no right or wrong way, so long as he wears the attractive token with singular pleasure to himself and great honor to the Fraternity.

         In this matter, I feel that we should probably take a page out of the Boy Scout’s manual. A young Scout employs his ring as a constant reminder that he’s under an obligation to do good turns. The ring starts out in the morning, on his finger, one way and is physically removed and flipped over when he completes his daily good-turn mission. 

         Now there is another issue of Masonic emblems in Freemasonry.  There is a great debate about how should a brother wear his emblems and other jewelry while in public view.  Is it okay for Freemasons to wear tattoos, brandings, or other masonic jewelry besides a masonic ring.  After searching numerous Freemason jurisdictions and their bylaws, it is clear to say that if a Freemason knows his obligations and his belief in practicing these terms of his pledge, we will see that tattoos, and other permanent fixtures on one’s body is questionable by that jurisdiction.  So this debate over how the Masonic emblem will be worn will be an issue for many years among Freemasons. 

     In conclusion, we as Freemasons proudly wear our Masonic emblems as a rite of passage within one of the greatest fraternities known to man.  So it is with great honor that we display the emblem of our profession to the world.  So if you wear it, wear it with confidence, joy and love for the fraternity and its beliefs among all brethren around the world.