why does the ritual includes references to our left and right breasts? what are the significances

References to the left breast historically center on its symbolic connection to the human heart, conscience, and vital emotions. Traditional Masonic narratives treat this side as representing the seat of life itself, as an article on the Grand Lodge of India's website notes.

Early ritual texts and exposures demonstrate that this symbolism was integrated into lodge practice from the early eighteenth century. In catechisms such as The Mystery of Freemasonry (1730), candidate posture during obligations involved placing a point of the compass to the left breast, a paper read before Quatuor Coronati Lodge records.

This emphasis on the left side also extends to formal Masonic wear and regalia. Breast jewels, including Craft centenary and commemorative jewels, are traditionally worn over the left breast because it is regarded as the side of honor and owing to its direct proximity to the heart, as the United Grand Lodge of England states.