The chain of Union
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The chain of Union
Members of a lodge link together to form a chain of union. One arm is placed on a neighbours waist whilst the hand is left free to tap the other neighbour three times on the shoulder. At the same time, a triple brotherly kiss and the word of the week is given to a neighbour, which is then passed on to the next neighbour along. Starting from the Chairman the tap, kiss, and word is passed both ways around the group reaching the Master of Ceremonies at the same time, whereupon the word is shouted aloud to the group.
1890s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7193355
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10533170
Brotherly Chain Freemasons Groups Kiss Link Lodge Members Neighbour Shoulder Societies Times Waist Word
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment from the rich history of Freemasonry, a social and fraternal organization with roots dating back to the late 16th century. The image, taken in the 1890s, depicts members of a lodge forming a chain of union. The ritualistic act of linking arms and placing one hand on a neighbor's waist while tapping them three times on the shoulder symbolizes the strong bonds of brotherhood and unity among the members. At the same time, a triple brotherly kiss and the "word of the week" is exchanged between neighbors. This word, a secret term unique to each lodge, is then passed on to the next neighbor in both directions. The chain of union begins with the Chairman and continues around the group, reaching the Master of Ceremonies at the same time. Upon reaching the Master of Ceremonies, the word is shouted aloud to the entire group, reinforcing the shared knowledge and connection among the members. This powerful display of unity and camaraderie highlights the importance of tradition and ritual within Freemasonry, which continues to thrive as a social organization today. The image offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the timeless values and practices that have bound together generations of members in a shared commitment to brotherhood and mutual support.
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