The Freemason handshake is an important symbol of the Freemasons’ oath of brotherhood and commitment to the organization. It is a gesture that has been used for centuries to identify other members of the fraternity. The handshake has a specific form and involves interlocking fingers and pressing thumbs together in a certain way. In this article, we will take a look at what this unique handshake looks like and how it is done. The Freemason handshake consists of pressing the top of the thumb against the base of the forefinger, usually while shaking hands. This is known as the “Lion’s Paw” and symbolizes the strength and courage of a Freemason.
History of the Freemason Handshake
The Freemason handshake is one of the oldest forms of recognition used by members of the Freemason fraternity. It has been in use since the 18th century and is still a prominent part of Freemason ceremonies and rituals today. The handshake is a way for members to identify each other, and it is an important part of their secret rituals.
The history of the Freemason handshake dates back to the early 1700s, when members of certain lodges began using a special grip or “token” to identify each other. This token was a secret sign that would be given with a special handshake between two members in order to prove that they were both members of the same lodge. The token was also passed on from one generation to another, so that even if new members joined, they could be identified as belonging to a particular lodge.
As time went on, new variations and combinations of the handshake were developed in order to keep up with changing times and ensure that no two lodges had exactly the same grip or token. Today, there are many different kinds of Freemason handshakes, all with their own unique meaning and purpose.
The significance behind these handshakes can vary from lodge to lodge, but many have similar meanings behind them such as loyalty, trustworthiness and friendship among members. They are also seen as an important part of Masonic culture, symbolizing brotherhood and solidarity among all its members.
The Freemason handshake continues to be an important part of Masonic culture today, used as a way for members to recognize each other during ceremonies and rituals. It is still considered a powerful symbol that unites all Masons across different lodges around the world.
Symbolic Meaning of the Freemason Handshake
The handshake is a symbol of unity and brotherhood among Freemasons. It is a means of recognition between members and serves as a sign of mutual respect, shared trust, and mutual understanding. The handshake symbolizes the close bond between two or more individuals, and it is also used to signify the initiation into the fraternity. The handshake has been used in Masonic rituals since ancient times, and it is still widely used today.
The most common form of the handshake involves using the right hand to grasp the right hand of another person. This symbolizes unity and trust, as well as strength in numbers. The left hand is usually placed on the right arm of the other person in order to create a link between them. This link symbolizes loyalty and commitment to one another.
The handshake can also be used to communicate secret knowledge or pass on messages without words being spoken. For example, when two Masons shake hands in such a way that their thumbs touch each other’s wrists, it can indicate that they are both part of an important secret society or organization. Furthermore, when two Masons shake hands without touching their wrists together, it can mean that they are not part of any secret society or organization and are simply exchanging pleasantries with one another.
The Freemason handshake has become an iconic part of Freemasonry culture over time. It serves as a reminder that all members are bound together by a common set of ideals and values that transcend any differences that may exist between them personally or professionally. The handshake also serves as a reminder to all members that they must always remain loyal to one another and uphold the values set forth by Freemasonry.
Types of Freemason Handshakes
The Freemasons are a centuries-old fraternal organization that has adopted certain symbols and rituals to identify members and communicate with each other. One of the most well-known symbols is the handshake, which is shared between two members as a sign of mutual recognition. There are several different types of Freemason handshakes, each with its own unique meaning and purpose.
The first type of Freemason handshake is known as the Entered Apprentice grip, or “lion’s paw”. This involves clasping each other’s hands firmly and shaking three times while pressing the thumb firmly against the knuckles of the other hand. This gesture symbolizes an unbreakable bond between two Mason brothers.
The second type of Freemason handshake is called the Fellow Craft grip, or “squeeze”. This involves clasping each other’s hands firmly and shaking three times while squeezing tightly on each other’s wrists as if to “seal” the bond between them. This gesture symbolizes mutual trust and respect among Mason brothers.
The third type of Freemason handshake is known as the Master Mason grip, or “firm grasp”. This involves clasping each other’s hands firmly and shaking once while grasping firmly at the wrist with one hand and pressing against it with the thumb of the other hand. This gesture symbolizes strength in unity among Mason brothers.
Therefore, there is also an additional type of handshake that can be exchanged between two Masonic brothers during a special ceremony called a Grand Honors Exchange Ceremony (also known as a “grip change”). During this ceremony, each brother will give a slightly modified version of one of the three standard handshakes described above in order to signify their mutual commitment to upholding Masonic principles and traditions.
In summary, there are four different types of Freemason handshakes: Entered Apprentice Grip (also known as Lion’s Paw), Fellow Craft Grip (also known as Squeeze), Master Mason Grip (also known as Firm Grasp), and Grand Honors Exchange Ceremony (or Grip Change). Each one has its own special meaning and purpose within the Masonic brotherhood, symbolizing friendship, trust, respect, strength in unity, and commitment to upholding Masonic values.
Components of a Freemason Handshake
The Freemason handshake is a traditional gesture of recognition among Freemasons. It is believed to have originated in the early days of Freemasonry and can be used to identify one another, as well as to express mutual respect and camaraderie. The handshake involves a combination of hand movements and words that are unique to the fraternity. There are three main components of the Freemason handshake: the grip, the squeeze, and the words.
The grip is the most important part of the handshake. It is an ancient symbol that expresses unity between two people and is only used among members of the fraternity. The grip involves taking each other’s hands in a firm clasp while facing each other or standing side by side. It can also be done with one hand over the other in a handshake position.
The squeeze is an additional form of recognition that occurs after the initial grip has been established. This involves squeezing each other’s hands gently, often accompanied by a short nod or bow of acknowledgement.
The words used in this gesture are meant to honor the ancient traditions of Freemasonry as well as recognize one another as brothers in arms. Commonly used phrases include “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together”, “Peace be unto you” and “May you always find comfort in your brotherhood”.
The Freemason handshake is both meaningful and symbolic and serves as a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves. By taking part in this tradition, we can honor our shared history and strengthen our bonds with one another.
Masonic Grip or Token
The Masonic grip is a symbolic handshake, often referred to as a token, used by Freemasons when recognizing each other. It is often used in the initiation process of becoming a Mason. The grips are also known as tokens, Signs and Secrets. The Masonic grip is an important part of the Masonic tradition and is used to identify one Mason from another. The grips vary from lodge to lodge, but the most common form is known as the “Lion’s Paw”. This form involves a handshake in which one Mason’s index and middle finger are placed against the other’s wrist with the thumb on top of it. This grip symbolizes two things: unity and strength. The use of this grip serves as a reminder that all Masons should strive to be united in their principles and strong in their convictions.
This emblematic handshake serves another purpose; it is a sign that Freemasons are loyal to one another. This loyalty extends beyond just fellow Masons, but also to their families and communities at large. When two Masons meet each other, they exchange this special handshake as a sign of mutual trust and respect for each other’s beliefs and traditions. It serves as a reminder that all Masons should remain united in their principles and strong in their convictions even when there may be disagreements among them.
Masonic tokens or signs are also used during initiations into the craft. These tokens can be anything from simple handshakes to complex symbols with hidden meanings that only those initiated into Freemasonry can understand. These signs serve both practical and symbolic purposes, allowing members to recognize each other without having to speak or identify themselves publicly. They also serve as reminders of the ideals they strive for within Freemasonry such as loyalty, trustworthiness, charity, brotherly love, and justice.
Unveiling the Ancient Rituals Behind Freemason Handshake
For centuries, the Freemason handshake has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. This secret gesture of brotherhood is an important part of Freemasonry, with its own set of rituals and traditions. But what is the history behind this ancient ritual? Here we unravel the secrets behind the Freemason handshake.
The Freemasons have a long and fascinating history, tracing their origins back to the Middle Ages. The group was founded on principles of mutual respect and brotherhood, and its members have included some of the most influential people in history. As a result, it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of fraternal organizations around the world.
At its core, the Freemason handshake is a way for members to recognize each other as brothers in arms. This gesture is often accompanied by a specific phrase that only members know. The phrase can vary from lodge to lodge but typically it pays homage to their shared commitment to service and brotherhood.
In addition to recognizing fellow members, the Freemason handshake also serves as an oath of secrecy. By shaking hands with another member, they are swearing an oath that they will keep all information regarding their Lodge confidential. This ensures that any secrets or sensitive information remain within the confines of their organization.
The Freemason handshake has evolved over time and is now used by many different organizations all over the world. While it may not be as mysterious as it once was, it still holds a special place in many people’s hearts as a symbol of shared values and traditions. Even today, it remains one of the most recognizable symbols associated with fraternity and brotherhood.
The tradition behind this ancient ritual remains alive and well today, even if its original purpose has been largely forgotten by many modern Masons. Despite this, its importance cannot be overstated – after all, it is a sign of unity among brothers who are bound together by common values and beliefs.
Significance of the Masonic Handshake
The Masonic handshake is an important part of Freemasonry, which is a fraternal organization that has been in existence for centuries. It is a symbol of brotherhood and camaraderie among its members. The handshake serves as a reminder that all members are equal, regardless of their station or rank within the organization. It also serves to remind them of their commitment to serve each other and uphold the principles of the fraternity. The handshake has several distinct varieties, each with its own specific meaning and purpose.
The most recognizable Masonic handshake is the “Lion’s paw” or “Lion’s grip.” This handshake is used to symbolize strength and loyalty between two Masons. It involves one Mason placing his right hand on top of the other’s, clasping his thumb over the back of the hand with both hands grasping firmly at the wrist. This grip symbolizes strength and protection; it also signifies unity between two Masons who share similar beliefs and principles.
Another distinctive Masonic handshake is known as “The Sign.” This handshake involves a single Masons extending his right arm out in front of him with all five fingers extended outward, while another Mason grasps his hand at the wrist. This sign symbolizes trust and friendship between two Masons who have pledged themselves to mutual support and assistance.
The third type of Masonic handshake is known as “The Grip.” This particular gesture involves one Mason placing his left hand on top of another Mason’s left shoulder while gripping firmly at the wrist with his right hand. The grip signifies a bond between two people that can only be broken by death; it also signifies respect for each other’s beliefs and opinions.
The significance of every type of Masonic handshake lies in its symbolism; each gesture conveys a special meaning that goes beyond words alone. For instance, when two Masons exchange greetings using any type of Masonic handshake, they are essentially reaffirming their commitment to uphold each other’s values and principles while showing mutual respect for one another’s character and integrity. By doing so, they are strengthening their bonds as members within this ancient fraternity.
Last Thoughts
The Freemason handshake is an important part of Freemasonry culture and tradition. It is a sign of recognition among Freemasons, and it serves to strengthen the bond between them. The handshake is symbolic, and each Freemason should take the time to learn and understand its meaning. As Freemasons are known for their secrecy, it is important that the handshake is kept within the Masonic fraternity.
The handshake has evolved over time, but it remains a powerful symbol for Freemasons around the world. It serves as a reminder of their commitment to one another and to the ideals of Freemasonry. For those who have yet to join the ranks of the Freemasons, learning the handshake can be an exciting way to get started in this ancient organization.
The handshakes associated with different degrees of Masonry may vary slightly from one another, but all are symbols of loyalty and friendship among Freemasons around the world. Whether you are already a part of this brotherhood or just starting your journey, taking the time to learn about this ancient ritual will provide you with a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of this great organization.