Masonic Education

The use of a serpent or snake-like hook to fasten our Masonic Aprons is an intriguing practice. Although the serpent is despised by more people than any other creature on earth, it is one of the oldest, and most venerated, of symbols.

Even though the snake or serpent is perhaps the most deadly and most feared of all the enemies of primitive man (and so stands for the powers of evil), it is also regarded as the wisest of all creatures and when extended at length is the symbol of Divine Wisdom.

In Christian Freemasonry, the serpent is an emblem of the fall and subsequent redemption of man. Both aspects are depicted in the Volume of the Secret Law (Bible).

The evil aspect is shown in the story of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, while the Divine Wisdom is clearly referred to in the phrase “Be ye as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10 Verse 16).

So symbolically, the serpent fastening our aprons indicates that, we are encircled by the Holy Wisdom.

The serpent biting its tail and thus forming a circle, which is a figure without a beginning or an end, represents eternity and therefore the eternal wisdom of the Most High. It should be an ever present reminder that:

“ In all his pursuits a Freemason should have Eternity in view.”

Author Unknown

Admin note: Re-posted here with permission from V. W. Bro. Norm MacEvoy from his website "The Educator".