Why Do Masons Celebrate St Johns Day
Masons celebrate St.
John’s Day due to the connection between Freemasonry and St.
John the Evangelist.
St.
John the Evangelist is considered one of the patron saints of Freemasonry, along with St.
John the Baptist.
The Feast of St.
John, which originated in the Catholic Church, holds significant importance in Freemasonry.
The adoption of the names “St.
John’s Masons” by Freemasons further emphasizes the relationship between the two.
The Gospel of St.
John holds a symbolic significance in Freemasonry, and the historical significance of the “Mason Word” connects to the privileges of Freemasonry.
Additionally, the term “St.
John’s Mason” was used in tilers’ registers during the 17th and 18th century, further highlighting the connection between the “Holy Saints John” and Masonic rituals.
Did You Know?
1. Despite commonly being referred to as the “Masons”, the correct name for the fraternal organization is actually the Freemasons.
2. St. John’s Day is celebrated by Freemasons worldwide because the two patron saints of the order are St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.
3. St. John’s Day celebrations originally began as a way for Freemasons to honor and pay tribute to their patron saints, who were believed to embody qualities of wisdom, dedication, and spirituality.
4. Freemasons celebrate St. John’s Day on two separate occasions: June 24th, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, and December 27th, the feast day of St. John the Evangelist.
5. St. John’s Day celebrations within Freemasonry often involve symbolic ceremonies, processions, meetings, and banquets, which serve as a way for members to reinforce their commitment to the Masonic principles of brotherhood, self-improvement, and moral conduct.
The Connection Between Freemasonry And St. John The Evangelist
St. John the Evangelist holds great significance in Freemasonry, serving as a representation of the spiritual aspect of the craft. Freemasonic rituals and teachings often make references to John the Evangelist and his Gospel, which is regarded as a symbol of light and enlightenment. This aligns perfectly with Freemasonry’s focus on self-improvement and the pursuit of knowledge.
Within Freemasonry, St. John the Evangelist is associated with the southern position in the lodge. This association symbolizes the rising sun and the season of summer. By doing so, it emphasizes the importance of light both in a physical and metaphorical sense. Moreover, this connection highlights key Masonic values such as wisdom, understanding, and enlightenment.
The Significance And Origins Of The Feast Of St. John In Freemasonry
The Feast of St. John, celebrated on June 24th, holds great significance for Freemasons around the world. This tradition has its roots in the medieval stonemasons who built majestic cathedrals and castles. These skilled craftsmen often dedicated their work to different saints, with St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist becoming prominent patrons of the fraternity.
The Feast of St. John serves as a special occasion for Freemasons to come together and pay tribute to the patron saints of their craft. It is a day of celebration, reflection, and recommitment to the principles of Freemasonry. The festivities typically include various rituals, speeches, feasts, and charity events, which further highlight the close bonds among Masons and their dedication to helping others.
To summarize:
- The Feast of St. John is celebrated on June 24th by Freemasons worldwide.
- Medieval stonemasons dedicated their work to different saints, including St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist.
- The celebration is a time for Freemasons to honor their patron saints and reaffirm their commitment to Freemasonry.
- Festivities include rituals, speeches, feasts, and charity events that underscore the strong bonds and philanthropic nature of Freemasonry.
The Potential Link Between St. John The Baptist And Freemasonry
Although the primary connection between Freemasonry and St. John lies with St. John the Evangelist, there are also instances where St. John the Baptist is associated with the fraternity. Some Masonic traditions suggest that St. John the Baptist may have been a fellow traveler and teacher of esoteric wisdom, which aligns with the Masonic principles of initiation, self-improvement, and moral rectitude.
While the link between St. John the Baptist and Freemasonry remains speculative, it highlights the importance of the two saints within the Masonic tradition. Both saints symbolize different aspects of spiritual growth, and their inclusion in Masonic rituals and teachings serves to enhance the philosophical depth of the fraternity.
The Role Of St. John The Evangelist And St. John The Baptist As Patron Saints Of Freemasonry
St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist are regarded as the patron saints of Freemasonry. Both saints hold significant roles within the fraternity, representing wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment.
St. John the Evangelist personifies spiritual illumination, symbolizing the pursuit of inner understanding and enlightenment through the study of philosophy, morality, and divine truths. His teachings, particularly represented in the Gospel of St. John, are revered by Freemasons as a source of light and wisdom.
St. John the Baptist, on the other hand, embodies moral and ethical principles, emphasizing the importance of integrity, virtue, and self-discipline. He serves as a model for Masons to emulate, encouraging them to live their lives with honor and integrity.
The Symbolism Of The Gospel Of St. John In Freemasonry
The Gospel of St. John carries symbolic value in Freemasonry, serving as a metaphorical guide to spiritual illumination and the attainment of divine truths. Many Masonic rituals and ceremonies incorporate verses from the Gospel of St. John, underscoring its significance within the craft.
This Gospel is widely regarded as a source of light, wisdom, and enlightenment. It emphasizes the connection between the individual and the divine, urging Masons to explore the mysteries of existence, pursue self-improvement, and strive for a deeper understanding of the world.
By drawing inspiration from the Gospel of St. John, Freemasons strive to embody the values of truth, morality, wisdom, and enlightenment in their everyday lives, both inside and outside the Lodge.
In conclusion, St. John’s Day holds great significance for Freemasonry due to the association between the craft and St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist. This feast serves as a time for Masons to unite, celebrate their shared values, and reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the craft. The symbolism of the Gospel of St. John reinforces the importance of light, wisdom, and enlightenment within Freemasonry. Through the celebration of St. John’s Day, Freemasons honor their patron saints and continue on their Masonic journey towards self-improvement, moral rectitude, and spiritual enlightenment.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is John the Baptist important to Masons?
John the Baptist is of great significance to Masons due to the long-standing association between him and the craft of stonemasonry. This connection can be traced back to the Middle Ages, wherein the Baptist was revered as the patron saint of stonemasons in continental Europe. The Fraternity of St. John the Baptist, the guild of masons and carpenters affiliated with Cologne Cathedral, further solidifies this historical link. The Masons, acknowledging the role of John the Baptist in their craft, find inspiration and guidance from his patronage, leading to his enduring importance within their traditions.
Who is the saint of Masons?
In the realm of Freemasonry, two prominent figures are revered as the patron saints: Saint John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. These saintly figures hold great significance within the Masons community. Saint John the Baptist is celebrated for his role as the herald of Christ and his embodiment of purity and spiritual enlightenment. On the other hand, John the Evangelist is commemorated for his deep understanding and portrayal of divine love and wisdom. Together, these two saints symbolize essential aspects of Freemasonry’s core values and principles, serving as guiding lights for Masons around the world.
What is a Masonic celebration?
A Masonic celebration is a joyous gathering that brings together Masons and their guests for a purposeful cause. This event usually entails a range of engaging activities aimed at raising funds for charitable endeavors. From elegant dinners and captivating galas to uplifting concerts and stimulating auctions, Masonic celebrations are not only social events but also opportunities to make a positive impact on society. Attendees join hands in camaraderie, celebrating the values of Freemasonry while contributing towards philanthropic causes through raffles and generous donations.
What happens on St John’s Day?
On St. John’s Day, people around the world come together to celebrate the life and legacy of St. John the Baptist. This festive occasion typically entails various religious rituals and customs, reflecting the importance of John’s role in Christian history. Uniting in spirit, communities partake in prayer, processions, and gatherings that honor the birth of this significant figure. It is an opportunity for individuals to deepen their faith and reflect upon the impact of John’s teachings, as well as to join in joyous festivities that connect believers across different cultures and traditions.
