What knocks are given in a masonic ceremony? In Masonic ceremonies, specific knocks are used to signal presence and request admission. These knocks are not random sounds but rather a coded language, often referred to as 'taps' or 'knocks.' For instance, a common knock for a candidate seeking admission to a Lodge is three distinct taps. This signals to the brethren inside that someone is at the door and wishes to enter. As Albert Pike states in Morals and Dogma, 'The signs and tokens are the keys which unlock the doors of Masonry.' These knocks serve as an initial, audible key, signifying a respectful approach and a genuine intention to participate in the ritual. The number and pattern of these knocks vary depending on the specific degree being conferred and the context of the ceremony.
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