The famous definition of Freemasonry as "a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols" brings to mind an immediate follow-up question: which symbols?
Though it may seem to be a simple, even superfluous quest, this paper intends to show the extent and variety of the symbolic experience in Freemasonry's multi-layered world.
I shall begin by offering a tentative taxonomy of Masonic symbols. In general terms, these can be classified into six categories: verbal, postural, sartorial, implemental, pictorial and ornamental.
Verbal symbols are the passwords, secret words and semester words (used in some jurisdictions). Most Masonic degrees require a password to prove having acquired it regularly. Examples are too numerous to list, but the origin of passwords is a fascinating subject in itself. Verbal symbols are mainly used as means of recognition, including expressions such as "meeting on the square" and similar ones, to be used outside of the lodge. There are other Masonic expressions with symbolic meaning, such as saying "raining" to indicate the presence of non-Masons within hearing.
Numerical symbols are the symbolic ages according to the degree, the “batteries” (knocks of the mallets), the acclamation in some rituals, the number of officers, the minimum number of Masons needed to open the lodge, the numbers appearing on some Tracing Boards.
Postural symbols include the various positions of the body, legs and arms while standing to order, different according to the degree; position of the hands making a grip or making a sign, and the manner of walking within the lodge, when entering it and leaving it. Circumambulation is an example of symbolic walking.
The study of Masonic signs would be a subcategory worthy of individual attention.
Sartorial symbols include the various aprons, sashes, collars, cuffs, gloves, ties, gowns, caps, and special costumes used in the representation of certain degrees, especially, but not exclusively, in the higher degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
The officers' jewels and chains of office, which may be classified as ornaments, properly belong to the sartorial family since their purpose is to be worn while the lodge is at work.
Implemental symbols include the three Great Lights of Freemasonry, the rough and polished ashlars, the Lewis, the working tools used in various degrees, staffs, swords, mallets, hoodwink, cords, noose, and the multitude of objects and devices present in the lodge and/or used in the course of performing Masonic ceremonies, whether the ladder in the 30th Degree or the sprig of Acacia in the 3rd, candlesticks and candles.
A separate subcategory comprises the symbolic names of cutlery, tableware, food and drink in Masonic meals, as well as the firing glasses.
Pictorial symbols are, first and foremost, the Tracing Boards. Other pictorials are the pennants of the 12 tribes, lodge pennants, flags, painted aprons.
An important subcategory comprises the graphic designs in Masonic documents, diplomas, summons, and the symbols utilized in Masonic writing, such as the three dots in a triangle, the small rectangle to signify the lodge, the acrostic VITRIOL.
A second subset comprises Masonic ciphers, both the simple one based on the 3X3 grid, and elaborate ones used to obscure the meaning of rituals written in code.
Decorative symbols refer to lodge decorations, such as a painted ceiling, curtains and wall hangings, illuminated sun and moon, the letter G, carpets, checkerboard pavement, columns, altar, knotted rope circling the lodge room, medals, pins, rings, painted plates and plaques.
Each and every one of the items listed in such summary fashion has a symbolic meaning, a moral or esoteric explanation. I hope this paper will serve as an introduction and an incentive to explore the rich trove of Masonic symbolism.