The Grand Honors in Freemasonry: A Symbol of Respect and Tradition
Brethren,
The Grand Honors in Freemasonry, are a gesture that has been passed down through the centuries. The Grand Honors we practice here in Ontario consist of a combination of ancient customs, symbolisms, and traditions. These gestures, when performed, convey our deepest admiration, appreciation, and reverence during Masonic ceremonies.
The Grand Honors are made up of four distinct sources that have combined over time to form a single ceremonial act of respect and reverence. Let’s explore each of these sources and what they represent in our rituals.
Ancient and Primitive Methods of Expressing Joy and Appreciation
The first part of the Grand Honors involves a gesture that comes from primitive and ancient cultures, that was used to express joy, thanksgiving, and enthusiasm. It was a symbolic outburst of appreciation or joy—a universal expression of positive emotion. In Freemasonry, this action serves to acknowledge the moment with enthusiasm and respect.
Ancient Methods of Giving or Receiving a Toast
The second part of the Grand Honors comes from the ancient custom of giving a toast. This gesture represents a sign of respect and honor, and it symbolizes greeting someone with proper acknowledgment. In ancient times, toasts were offered as a mark of respect, and this gesture in our Grand Honors echoes that practice.
The Working Tools of Operative Masonry: The Greeting on the Square
The third part of the Grand Honors refers to one of the key tools of operative masonry—the square. In Freemasonry, the square represents moral rectitude, fairness, and the commitment to truth. When performing the Grand Honors, we greet each other on the square, a way of acknowledging that we come together with honor, integrity, and respect for one another. This gesture is a reminder of our commitment to the principles of the Craft.
4. The Final Part of Grand Honours
The final part of the Grand Honors involves a public expression of enthusiasm and appreciation. This serves as a way of showing our admiration and approval, and this gesture draws inspiration from the ancient Roman systems.
The ancient Romans practiced various methods of showing respect for emperors, great men, or actors in public performances. One specific form was the “bombi”, which imitated the hum of a swarm of bees. The symbolism of bees in the bombi gesture emphasizes harmony, collective appreciation, and respect. Just as bees work together in a hive, Freemasons come together in unity during the Grand Honors, demonstrating solidarity and shared respect.
The Mystery of the Repetitions
As we perform the Grand Honors, you may notice that the gestures are often repeated. While the number of repetitions are significant in Freemasonry and in many cultural traditions, the exact reason for choosing these specific numbers is not clear.
The repetition of these actions does not have a definitive explanation. While certain numbers are traditionally viewed as sacred or important in Masonic symbolism—representing completeness, perfection, or enlightenment—there is no clear historical explanation for why we perform the honors these specific number of times.
This mystery adds to the depth and reverence of the ritual. Some suggest it could be tied to ancient practices or symbolism, such as those used by the Romans in their systems, but the true reason for the repetitions remains part of the mystery of our ancient tradition. It is yet another example of how Freemasonry preserves aspects of history and ritual that keep us connected to something larger than ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Grand Honors of Freemasonry are not just ceremonial gestures but a profound tradition with deep historical significance and each movement reflects respect, appreciation, and unity.
These gestures combine elements from ancient customs, medieval heraldry, and speculative masonry, serving as a reminder of our shared values—joy, respect, honor, and harmony. As we perform the Grand Honors, we express our gratitude for those who stand before us, acknowledging them with the full weight of the Masonic tradition.
Prepared by Bro. Michael Thompson – 2025