Moreover, it is a prominent feature within the Knights Templar and Kadosh Degrees of the York and Scottish Rites. Within Freemasonry, the skull and crossbones are typical on third-degree tracing boards within many Masonic jurisdictions. The skull and crossbones within Freemasonry Let’s look at why Freemasonry adopted the symbol and how it is understood within the fraternity. When we consider this, it comes as a surprise that the symbol has been adopted by Freemasonry, as it certainly doesn’t seem to fit within the Masonic teachings of peace and virtue. It seems that pirates adopted the symbol to reflect their barbaric acts and to indicate to those they were about to attack that they were in danger. When interlaced with its piracy roots, we see that the skull and crossbones is a rather macabre and troubling symbol throughout history. It wasn’t until 1829 that the skull and crossbones were used to label poison, as New York State adopted it in such a way. It was used on military flags and insignia from the early twelfth century and represented the military unit’s ferocity that was wearing it. The skull and crossbones became widespread with the medieval Danse Macabre symbol. In fact, it is considered to have originated in the Late Middle Ages and first appeared as a memento mori on tombstones. Before piracyĪlthough the skull and crossbones are most famous as a symbol of piracy, there is evidence of its use in history long before the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. ![]() In this respect, the skull and crossbones were adopted to represent the death and danger brought by pirates, and the symbol has endured to this day. Piracy was a significant problem throughout the eighteenth century, and the Jolly Roger became a symbol of those within the life. While pirates have been somewhat romanticized in western culture through literature and film, the reality is that pirates were dastardly criminals, who mercilessly looted on the high seas and showed very little mercy to their victims. The skull and crossbones were adopted by pirates in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries when many privateers were turning to piracy due to the instability of the times, exacerbated at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. It was used by famous pirates such as Black Sam Bellamy and Edward England, and it became one of the most commonly used pirate flags during the 1720s. The Jolly Roger flag was flown to identify a pirate ship about to attack during the eighteenth century. ![]() Perhaps the most common famous use of the skull and crossbones in history was on the Jolly Roger flag. SHOP NOW The history of the skull and crossbonesīefore we look at the use of the skull and crossbones within Freemasonry, it’s important to understand its evolution throughout history. This article will examine the history of the symbol and how it has been associated with Freemasonry in years gone by.Īs always, this writing does not represent the views and opinions of Freemasons Community, but is merely the reflections of one Mason. When regarded in isolation, the skull and crossbones seem a little out of place alongside many other prominent Masonic symbols. However, one symbol that is somewhat controversial in the world of Freemasonry is the skull and crossbones. The majority of Masonic symbols have been borrowed and adapted from ancient religions and the practice of medieval stonemasons and are showcased proudly within Masonic lodges and literature today. A significant part of a brothers’ journey, particularly early in his Masonic career, is to understand as many of these symbols as possible to reflect on their significance. ![]() Within Freemasonry, we know there are many symbols used to articulate important messages and perform many of the internal rituals and ceremonies.
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