What is a Masonic Fire?
Masonic ‘fire’ is a custom widely practiced by English brethren as an accompaniment to toasting at the festive board. It is an old custom that may have originated from the practice of firing after toasts, which was already in existence in the 17th century. The original practice was modified by Masonic ancestors to suit their needs. For instance, Dr. Richard Kuerden described a celebration where gun-fire salutes accompanied toasts, indicating that such customs were common during that time.
The procedure for giving Masonic fire typically involves a variation of ‘point-left-right’ (PLR) followed by hand clapping, often referred to as ‘three times three’. The way Masonic fire is given can vary widely across different localities and lodges, with some using small gavels or even clapping instead of the traditional firing glasses.
Overall, Masonic fire serves as a completion of the toast and is part of the honors accorded to the subject of the toast. However, not all lodges practice Masonic fire, and there are variations such as ‘silent fire’, which is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as to honor deceased brethren.
For further details, refer to the paper titled Notes on Masonic ‘Fire’ by Bro. Yoshio Washizu.