To live a full life and make the most of our time. It is a reminder to work for a life of compassion, honesty, and integrity so that we may improve not only our own lives but those in our community as well.
The hourglass is an ancient tool to measure time. This tool was in common use before the invention of clocks. The hourglass includes two glass bulbs with a narrow passage through which the sand passes. Each grain of sand indicates the passing of time. The wings symbolize that time is fleeting.
In masonic literature this symbol is used to remind the Mason that his life is continuously passing by. The present will be the past. And each moment that passes leaves less sand in the top part of the hourglass that indicates how much time is remaining.
It is used as a Memento Mori, like the skull and crossbones, or the sprig of acacia. It tells the Freemason to live a full life and make the most of his time. It is a reminder to work for a life of compassion, honesty, and integrity so that each one may improve not only their own lives but those in their community as well.