LEBAH MADU 28 - Sarang Lebah 5 - Beehive - 蜂箱

Image - Lodge St. Andrew #518




Victorian Society Depicted as a Beehive

Symbols of Freemasons     Masons use symbols in their rituals and in their meetings and lodges. Symbols allow Masons to delve deeply into some of the tenets taught by Freemasonry. Some of the more common Masonic symbols include: Contents [show] The All-Seeing Eye This ancient symbol represents the Supreme Being for Freemasons. The symbol derives from the ancient Hebrews and Egyptians, who both saw the eye of providence as symbolic of Divine watchfulness. Masonic Aprons During the Middle Ages and later, practicing Masons wore aprons, often crafted from animal skins. When Freemasonry was established, many speculative Masons also chose to wear aprons. In the 1730s, some Masons began to decorate their Masonic aprons with symbolic designs and this practice became widespread. Today, the apron symbolizes a Mason’s membership and symbolizes fraternal virtues and innocence. Bees and Beehives One Masonic symbol that is rarer today but was very popular in the 19th century is the symbol of the bee or the beehive. The bee has symbolized industry, labor, wisdom, regeneration, and obedience since early Christian times and in fact was symbolic of the same virtues to the ancient Egyptians and Romans. The beehive is, of course, a built structure and a very logical one – a miracle in natural engineering – and is therefore of special significance to Masons who study the building of characters and structures. The Compass Practicing masons use compasses to ensure that architectural plans and drawings are correct and therefore will result in stable and attractive buildings. In Speculative Freemasonry, the compass is symbolic of rectitude, virtue, and even deportment. It is a reminder that Freemasons must measure their life by virtue, which alone offers happiness. The compass, along with the all-seeing eye, is perhaps the most often-used and the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. Sometimes, the eye and compass are used together as one symbol. The Cross Not all lodges make use of the Cross, which is symbolic of Christ and Christianity. However, for the Knights Templar, the cross is an important symbol and represents that orders’ vow to defend Christianity. The Letter “G” The capital letter “G” is often displayed in conjunction with the compass or the all-seeing eye in Masonic symbols and lodges. Originally, it is believed that the letter represented Geometry, which is vital for the Mason’s craft and is also a logical search for answers, much like Freemasonry itself. Over time, however, the letter came to symbolize God as well. IHCOYC The letters IHCOYC -- and sometimes the letters IHS or IHC – are displayed by Masons and especially by the Knights Templar. IHCOYC is the Greek spelling of Jesus’ name and IHC is the shortened version of that name. ICS is sometimes mistranslated as In Hoc Signo or “by this sign you shall conquer.” This is the motto of today’s Knights Templar. The Square The square is a tool used by practicing Masons. In Freemasonry, the square represents revelation, righteousness, building virtue, and redemption. The square is often used in conjunction with the compass as a symbol of Freemasonry and is considered to be one of the more recognizable symbols of Freemasonry.   http://www.aboutfreemasons.com/Symbols_of_Freemasons