Symbolism and elements of Freemasonry
In our daily lives, we unconsciously use countless symbols, the purpose of which everyone immediately understands: a bunch of flowers, the wedding ring, a national tricolour, the cross, a handshake, etc.
Symbols are tools in conveying thoughts or feelings that are often difficult to put into words. For Freemasons, their symbolism is a language they understand wherever in the world they meet. Where the spoken or written word can cause misunderstandings, common symbolic language creates unity between people with completely different social backgrounds, views and characters. Symbolism is part of the legacy of the guilds of stonemasons of the Middle Ages. And it takes a very important place in Freemasonry.
For example, the Compass and Square are internationally distinguished marks of Freemasonry. The compass is connected to the thought of setting, creating, adjusting. And is also the symbol of the radiating Love from the East, the symbol of the Grand Architect who arranged everything according to size, number and weight. The Square, with its right angle, symbolizes the man who receives the Light, the man who knows how to place himself in the ‘right relationship’ with his fellow man. Freemasons build the temple of mankind, a better world, seeing himself as a building block. A popular expression is that man is a rough stone, which must be cut and polished into a pure cubic stone, so that that cool stone can be fitted into the edifice of living stones.
The explanations of Masonic symbolism provided below are solely our own interpretations and perspectives. These interpretations do not necessarily reflect the official views or teachings of any specific Masonic organization, lodge, or jurisdiction. Masonic symbolism can be subject to varying interpretations, and individual beliefs and perspectives within the Masonic community may differ. We encourage readers to seek guidance and insight from authoritative Masonic sources and consult with knowledgeable members of the Masonic fraternity for a more comprehensive understanding of Masonic symbolism. The explanations offered are for informational and illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as definitive or universally accepted interpretations within the Masonic community.
