Masonic Aprons

The most iconic and recognizable piece of apparel that Masons wear is the Apron. Some are very basic, white aprons, others are hand-painted ornamented ones. Officers have special aprons with symbols that indicate the office that they hold. Every mason cherishes their apron and remembers fondly the day they received their first apron.

The white leather apron represents the purity and innocence that the Mason is expected to pursue throughout his life.

The Masonic apron is perhaps the greatest symbol of Masonic tradition and history, serving as a reminder to every Mason their commitment to uphold the values of the Craft. When the fraternity was established in the 1700s, the founders adopted the tools and traditions of stonemasons, among them the protective aprons they wore as they worked. Masonic aprons have been based on these utilitarian aprons, over time coming to symbolize a Freemason’s labor of building their lives at spiritual temples.

“According to one researcher, the original aprons worn by operative masons were made of leather and large enough to cover the wearer from chest to ankles. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the modern, smaller textile aprons came into use. As Freemasonry grew, individuals began to adorn their aprons with symbols of the Craft and ornate ribbons. Over time, the apron evolved from the utilitarian garment of the stonemasons to the symbolic garment worn by Freemasons.”

Scottish Rite NMJ, What is a Masonic Apron <https://scottishritenmj.org/blog/what-is-a-masonic-apron>

Clandestine Lodges

Clandestine Freemasonry refers to Masons who are not regular or recognized by the Mainstream Masonic Grand Lodge in whose jurisdiction they reside. Grand Lodges In the United States generally claim jurisdiction over the entire state that they belong to. For example the Grand Lodge of Texas is the highest masonic authority in the state of Texas, however, any mainstream regular blue lodge that is located in any other state or country would not belong to this particular Grand Lodge. To verify if a particular lodge belongs to one of the recognized Grand Lodges, please check on the type of masonic lodge it is. This can be done by looking at the type of lodge that it is. For example, in Texas local lodges have the A.F.&A.M. destination in their names. Other jurisdictions might be called F.&A.M. or F.A.A.M..

To see a list of recognized Grand Lodges please check out this link. Most of these recognize and are in amity with each other:
https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-us/foreign-grand-lodges