Colors

Why are the first three symbolic degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry often called “The Blue Lodge”? What does the color “Blue” as a symbol in Masonry? Does Freemasonry use any other colors to represent similar meanings? What are some of the most symbolic colors associated with Freemasonry? Assigning a color to a symbol is probably as old as the symbol itself. Historians have found that in the study of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics: red represented man, yellow represented women, blue represented the king of the Egyptian gods, Amon, and black represented Anubis, the Egyptian god of death.

Blue. Famous Masonic author and scholar Albert Mackey noted that in Old Testament scriptures, blue is the translation of the Hebrew word “tekelet” which derives from the root word meaning “perfection.” Throughout the cultures of the world the color blue represents, deity, the canopy of heaven, eternity, immortality, truth, purity, loyalty, fidelity, hope and faith. All of these define the characteristics of masonry. The color blue is the symbolic color of the spiritual or divine.

Red. Red is the symbol of the earth. It is often used to represent war, blood, sacrifice, heroism or struggle. It can also be used to represent charity or devotion. Even the color red is present in the root word of Adam, the first man created of the earth and the breath of God. It is translated as “Adamah” meaning “red clay” or “of the ground.” It is often used as a symbol of faith, passion, fervency or zeal. In Freemasonry, it is most associated with Royal Arch Masons. Lodges conferring the first three symbolic degrees in formal Scottish Rite ceremonies are commonly called “Red Lodges.”

White. White is one of only two color introduced throughout the first three symbolic degrees of masonry with a specific representation. The white apron reminds us of our hopes for a glorious immortality, purity and innocence. The classical Greek philosopher Plato notes that white is the color of the gods. In the Bible, Daniel sees God dressed as a very old man in robes as white as snow. It can also be used to represent beginnings or virtue. The word candidate derives from the Latin word “candidatus” meaning “clothed in white.” In ancient Rome a candidate aspiring for public office wore a white toga to represent their untarnished character.

Green. The color green is associated with the color of life, renewal, nature, safety, growth, harmony and unchanging immortality of all that is divine and true. Ancient Egyptians used the color green in the depiction of the Egyptian gods Ptah, the divine preserver, and Thoth, the instructor of men in the sacred doctrines of truth. As Free and Accepted Masons we hold a particular awareness with the color green and the immortality of the soul. Green has been adopted as the official color of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

Purple. Purple is the combination of both of the colors blue and red. It is used to represent authority, kingship, wealth, richness, royalty or one of a higher statue, like the apron of the Most Worshipful Grand Master. It lends itself well to the union of the divine and that of the earth. In the Book of Mark, the roman soldiers mocked Christ by wrapping his body with a scarlet or purple robe. As the color purple required a blending of the color dyes, it was very expensive to make at the time and only reserved for the wealthiest or most important figures of the time.

Black. Traditionally the color black is associated with darkness and death. It did not develop into a color of mourning until later into the 14th to 16th century. In some aspects of history, black has also been used to represent gravity and sobriety. During the age of European Reformation colorful clothes were frowned upon. Formal wear for day and evening occasions continues to be black.

Yellow. Yellow is rarely seen in Lodge and is associated with the idea of light. The color yellow may also be represented in the presentation of gold. In the use of the color gold, it represents authority, kingship and power. It is commonly found adorning the aprons of Grand Lodge Officers.