What Does The Scottish Rite Purple Cap Mean?

In the Scottish Rite, caps represent the consecration of one’s physical and spiritual attributes to the betterment of humanity. These caps are an inheritance from the chivalric tradition, as similar ones were associated with the 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General. The purple cap denotes a 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General and an active member of the Supreme Council. Active Knights may wear the Glengarry in place of the conventional 32° black cap during select Scottish Rite ceremonials and special events.

The purple cap denotes a 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General and an active member of the Supreme Council. They are the highest ranking officer of the Rite within their jurisdiction. In Freemasonry, tradition intertwines with symbolism, and Scottish Rite hats stand as iconic emblems of membership and heritage. White caps with a blue border are worn by those 33° members who were unanimously elected by the Supreme Council to receive its highest honor, the Grand Cross.

The Scottish Rite caps are prayer caps, worn by Masons to show their devotion to Almighty God and to identify a degree and any honors one may have achieved in the Scottish Rite. The apron worn in this degree is white, bordered in purple, and contains a three-headed serpent and a table with instruments and plans on it. The jewel is an inscription.

The Scottish Rite cap is a vestige of the dress regalia more commonly associated with orders of European knighthood and a symbol that the Scottish Rite Mason is. They wear caps for honor and dignity, becoming part of their dress codes over the centuries. The purple cap is a reminder of the importance of honor and dignity in the Scottish Rite, and the significance of wearing caps for the betterment of humanity.

What is the difference between a Mason and a Scottish Rite?

The Scottish Rite is a full Rite of Freemasonry, not an appendant body. Master Masons from other rites may join the upper degrees starting from the 4th degree due to its popularity. The Scottish Rite builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the Craft (or Blue) Lodge through dramatic presentations of its individual degrees. The term “Blue Lodge” refers to the first three degrees of Masonry, regardless of the Rite being practiced.

Records of lodges conferring the degree of “Scots Master” or “Scotch Master” as early as 1733 include a lodge at Temple Bar in London, a lodge at Bath in 1735, and the French lodge, St. George de l’Observance No. 49 at Covent Garden in 1736. These references indicate special meetings held for performing unusual ceremonies, probably by visiting Freemasons.

The Copiale cipher, dating from the 1740s, says that the rank of a Scottish master is an entirely new invention. French writers Jean-Marie Ragon and Emmanuel Rebold first claimed that the high degrees were created and practiced in Lodge Canongate Kilwinning at Edinburgh, which is entirely false.

What is the white hat in the Scottish Rite?

The cap of a Deputy of the Supreme Council is constructed of circular white silk and encircled by a gold-trimmed scarlet band, a gold cord, and a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle on both sides.

What is the Scottish purple color?

Thistle is a light purple color, resembling the thistle plant, and was first used as a color name in English in 1892. It is associated with Scotland, as it is the national flower and Scotland’s highest state decoration is the Order of the Thistle. Orchid is a bright, rich purple color, named after the flowers of species like Laelia furfuracea and Ascocentrum pusillum. The first recorded use of orchid as a color name in English was in 1915.

What do the different colored hats mean in Scottish Rite?

The cap, which serves as a public badge for Scottish Rite Masons, is a component of the uniform and is worn by those attaining the 32nd degree. The various colors serve to indicate the degree of wear to which the cap has been subjected. Those seeking further information on Freemasonry are directed to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry website (scottishrite. org) and the Grand Lodge of Washington website (freemason-wa. org).

What is the royal secret in the Scottish Rite?

The 32nd degree of Freemasonry espouses the belief that humans are endowed with the Royal Secret, which is described as the eternal gift of God, namely love. This secret is not transferable and was bestowed upon humanity at the moment of creation, when the Father instilled life into man and thus made him a living soul. The cherishing of this love is a divine attribute and serves as evidence that all humans are the children of God.

What are the colors of the Scottish Rite?

Craft Freemasonry uses blue as the fundamental color, but alchemical colors like red, black, and white are the mainstay of Scottish Rite color symbolism. Green is also frequently used as a sign of life, renewal, and rebirth. The main colors in the liturgy of each Scottish Rite degree are the Lodge Room color, regalia (apron, sash, collar, gloves), and wearing robes or capes. Secondary colors used for lining, edging, or decorations are enclosed within parentheses.

Sometimes, the collar is replaced by a ribbon worn diagonally over one shoulder. The study is based on the works of Paul Naudon and Rex Hutchens, who provide color indications based on their extensive work on the history and symbolism of Scottish Rite degrees. When both sources disagree, they are both noted, with Naudon’s description marked with an (N) and Hutchen’s with an (H).

Do you have to be a mason to be in Scottish Rite?

In order to become a member of the Scottish Rite, it is necessary to be a Master Mason in good standing within a COGMINA lodge and to submit a petition accompanied by the requisite fee.

What is the Scottish colour code?

The flag of Scotland, also known as the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland, featuring a white saltire defacing a blue field. It is the correct flag for private individuals and corporate bodies to fly, and is flown from Scottish Government buildings every day from 8:00 am until sunset. The use of the flag was first recorded with an illustration of a heraldic flag in Sir David Lyndsay’s Mount’s Register of Scottish Arms, c. 1542. It is believed to be based on a precedent from the late 15th century, with a white saltire in the canton of a blue flag reputedly made by Queen Margaret, wife of James III.

What do Scottish Rite Masons believe?

The Scottish Rite Masonry aims to aid mankind’s search for identity and destiny in God’s universe, produce wiser, happier men, and promote the dignity of every person and humanity in all activities. The fraternity fulfills its Masonic obligation to care for its members and believes in individual judgment and conscience in civil life. 32° Scottish Rite Masonry expands upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, exploring Masonic teachings more deeply.

Building upon the ethical and philosophical teachings of the blue lodge, 32° Scottish Rite reveals a wealth of knowledge about Masonry not found in other degrees. It seeks to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge to help good men become even better.

What do the different colored hats represent?

The four hats of caution, optimism, creativity, and control are employed to anticipate unfavorable outcomes, identify promising prospects, and oversee the operations of an organization. Those who adopt a black hat perspective predict negative outcomes, whereas those who adopt a yellow hat perspective seek positive outcomes.

What is the highest knighthood in Scotland?

The Order of the Thistle is the highest chivalry order in Scotland, recognizing sixteen Knights with the highest honour. It recognizes Scottish men and women who have held public office or contributed to national life. The order’s foundation is unknown, but legend suggests it was founded in 809 when King Achaius allied with Emperor Charlemagne. James III, who changed Scottish royal symbolism, may have founded the Royal Order. The Order was established by James VII in 1687 to reward Scottish peers who supported the king’s political and religious aims.