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What is the historical derivation of the jewel of the royal arch, and how do the older commentators interpret its geometric layout?
The jewel or badge of the Royal Arch centers upon the triple tau, formed by three tau crosses conjoined at their feet. Historically, the single tau cross derives from ancient religious and symbolic marks, including the protective sign mentioned in Ezekiel to distinguish the faithful, the Egyptian monogram of Thoth representing hidden wisdom, the Druidical Gallicum tau, and the crux ansata symbolizing life. Adopted into the Masonic system as an emblem of salvation and eternal life, the tau in its triple combination serves to distinguish those devoted to the worship of the true deity.
Mackey
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where did the office of director of ceremonies come from in the craft and what are his duties
The office of Director of Ceremonies was created in the year 1738, when provision was made for the Grand Master to appoint one annually. Within a lodge or chapter, the role is an important office that is usually conferred upon a Past Master or Principal.
WaiteMackeyPreston
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what do the jewels of the three principals symbolise in the royal arch and do writers agree on them
The official jewel of the First Principal (Zerubbabel) is a Crown; that of the Second Principal (Haggai) is an All-seeing Eye; and that of the Third Principal (Joshua) is a Book. In each case, the symbol is surrounded by rays of glory, or a nimbus, and set within an equilateral triangle.
WilmshurstMackey
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when did grand lodge first make rules about wearing jewels and regalia
The Grand Lodge of England first formally regulated the wearing of aprons, ribbons, and jewels on March 17, 1731, following a unanimous motion submitted by Dr. Desaguliers. This resolution permitted Masters and Wardens of individual lodges to line their white leather aprons with white silk and suspend their jewels from white ribbons around their necks. It also established that Grand Officers wear gold jewels suspended from blue ribbons, while Stewards were permitted silver jewels on red ribbons with red silk apron linings.
Mackey
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what is the historical meaning behind the working tool known as the mark mason's mallet
The mallet, designated as one of the working tools of a Mark Master, carries the same emblematic significance as the common gavel. Its moral instruction centers on self-discipline and refinement: it teaches the correction of irregularities of temper, the curbing of unbridled ambition, the depressing of envy, and the moderation of anger. Symbolically, the tool serves to remove the excrescences of vice from the mind, preparing it, like a well-wrought stone, to take its proper place in the great temple of nature.
Mackeymarkmasonshall.org
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