mortagesandforeclosures

by Simon Gray

For whatever reason since the inception of the Freemasonry it has been known that a secret handshake amongst them exists. Is it based on secrecy or respect as common society displays with what we call a standard handshake? The Freemasons offer a few explanations of the purposes of this secret act. To begin some will say it relates back to the days when in some countries Freemasonry was being outlawed. There were Freemasons that had to keep their society a secret and therefore would use the secret handshake to identify one another.

One may ask that how a handshake could be done in secret when it?s carried out publicly. This is done through subtle gestures and forms of pressure. It should be mentioned that the Freemasons are not the only organization that have adopted a form of secret handshake, amongst these are also groups of gangs with criminal intent as well.

Most of the clubs and organizations that have utilized a form of handshake will now tell you that they are commonplace in that they are no longer secret. Their actions have become known which has broken the secrecy they implied.

In relation to the secret handshakes of the Freemasons, there is not just one standard that is used. Depending on your degree dictates the type of handshake you would incorporate. Degrees are the level one is at according to rank within the Mason.

As an example. The first level in the freemasons is the Entered Apprentice Degree. This is the first degree in the Blue Lodge. His handshake must depict the position of the hand as it did when he took his oath. Meaning the left hand supporting the bible with the right hand resting upon it. There is speculation that the handshake of this degree must depict the penalty they would be subjected to if they did not fulfill their obligations. It seems that the handshake by the apprentice is a form of acknowledgement of this.

The grip of the handshake of the apprentice has meaning as well. He must press his thumb against the joint of the first knuckle of the mason he is greeting, and this is reciprocated by that Mason as well. This grip is called Boaz. It partakes in one of the initiation or rituals that the Masons are said to conduct.

There are many other variations and meanings to other handshakes as was mentioned in accordance to the varying degrees within the Fraternity. As with many things that the Masons do, it would seem that it is of a symbolic nature depicting the responsibilities of the Mason instigating the handshake at the time. It would seem that these gestures could be recognized by a fellow Mason. There has been speculation that some of the current world leaders have used these handshakes on occasion in public where it has been picked up by the media. Being as some of the symbolizing that is used could be innocently used in common society gestures it would be difficult to reach this particular conclusion.

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