The initiation rituals of Freemasonry have been influenced by various historical practices, particularly those from medieval guilds and religious orders. According to Harry Carr in his paper Six Hundred Years of Craft Ritual, the earliest Masonic ceremonies began with an opening prayer, a reading of the craft's history, and the reading of regulations, which included a simple oath of fidelity to the king, the master, and the craft. This oath was a direct lift from the guild oath, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and secrecy within the craft.
Additionally, the Templar Knights' initiation rituals, as described by E. J. Castle in The Reception (Initiation) of a Templar, involved elaborate ceremonies that included the candidate being blindfolded and subjected to various trials, which were designed to instill a sense of fear and reverence. These practices likely contributed to the dramatic elements seen in modern Masonic rituals.
Furthermore, the Roman collegia, which were associations of craftsmen and builders, also had initiation rituals that involved death and rebirth themes, similar to those found in Masonic degrees. Robert Lomas, in The Secrets of Freemasonry, notes that these Roman builders' organizations had structured hierarchies and rituals that paralleled Masonic practices, including the use of symbols and emblems that are still prevalent today.