Apron

Apron

Uncover hidden superstitions meanings

It has been said that if a woman’s apron falls from her body, it foretells bad luck; possibly an unwanted child.

Another legend claims an apron worn back to front can bring the wearer good luck. Whether we believe these superstitions or not, the apron is almost universally seen as a sign of work, industry and craftsmanship. The apron separates the upper and lower halves of the body effectively disconnecting the various energies from each area. Interestingly, while the apron veils and thus hides the sexual organs it is also thought to be a symbol of fertility.

In the traditional setup, an apron was used when performing ordinary chores like cooking and washing.The art of making the apron more fashionable - in the modern style began in 1960s in the USA. However, nowadays, wearing aprons is considered to be for a more protective role against food during cooking, or surgery. There existed a common belief that if somebody wore a apron inside out then that was presumed to be a sign of good luck. On the other hand, if it happened to fall off suddenly without any reason, then it was deemed to symbolize bad luck. This was a common belief in Europe. In addition to luck and bad luck, there was a common belief that if a woman happened to dry her hands using another woman’s apron then that was a clear sign that she would soon fall in love.

Where did the freemason apron come from?

There was also the belief that if people from the same gender happen to dry their hands using the same apron then it was believed that it would lead to quarrelling among them. Aprons were believed to have emblems, symbols or badges which had some meaning and superstitious implications. Emblems upon aprons were believed to portray purity if they were of a white color - while on the other hand an emblem such as a crown was a sign of royalty. A badge would at times be used on aprons and it was a sign of identity.

In some instances where emblems were used on aprons, it was believed that a blue ribbon on an apron was a sign of charity. Aprons were also worn during times of war and this was a clear sign of power and might. In roman times, the tassels attached to aprons were believed to provide protection against bad luck. Adding more interesting facts, aprons were thought to provide clarity before launching into the chaos of the day. In some traditions it was an honor wearing an apron - at times this allowed the fraternity of the elites and an apron was given as a gift to depict a bond of friendship. An apron given due to a job (such as a chef) is thought to increase ones intelligence - making them smarter and more able.

Aprons and Freemasons

An apron hold much weight in freemasons. Aimed at the slightly more educated freemason, the apron is worn during the attainment of the third degree. To hold such an apron is a sign of authority and in most cases was used by masons who had reached a certain rank and thus is a clear signal of historical age and institutional mighty and command. A freemason who had reached the point of wearing an apron and with an emblem on it is a sign of great honor and was believed to be a command and possession of more powers than the rest of the other masons.

The colour of the freemasons apron is generally white to signify pure and good. There are different types of freemason aprons. The aprons are generally rectangular in shape and similar to those that were commonly worn by the ancient stonemasons to protect themselves. Crucially, during the stonemason times - the apron was worn to carry belongings and protect against dust. Freemason aprons are notably different, the aprons worn are generally white lambskin which projects a sense of pureness in life. In fact a sense of innocence. Some aprons are more decorated, showing the high rank of the mason. An apron worn by for example the Master of a lodge will be colourful and display the emergence of his power by the complex design. The apron it is normally delivered as a gift from the lodge as ones initiation. The apron is symbolic as it must be kept clean and each mason will wear the apron in a certain way according to the level they have achieved. The apron is a hardline representation of being a member of the freemasons.

By Flo Saul
Oct 29, 2012