The Origin of Freemasonry?
Freemasonry in its contemporary form has existed since the eighteenth centennial, in spite of the fact that the emergence of this enigmatic fraternity is clouded in mystery and much has been contemplated about the origins of Freemasonry.
In this article, we’ll enlighten you with the detail of the origin of Freemasonry by making you acquainted with both popular as well as less known facts regarding it.
Since the foundation of a few lodges in England and mainland Europe, the historical backdrop of freemasonry is all around well-cited, however, there is a lack of solid data with regards to the period before the enactment of Masonic lodges in the early eighteenth centennial.
It’s hard to point an accurate instant in past when this extraordinary society shaped up because of the mysterious and cryptic nature of this fraternity as well as the fact that very few bits of writings have made due over the time which could have disclosed to us more information about how Freemasonry came into existence.
The Origin of Freemasonry
The fantasy of Hiram Abiff gives scriptural validity to Freemasonry. He is the primary architect of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and viewed by numerous freemasons as the aboriginal pioneer freemason.
Hiram Abiff’a’s name has also been cited in the Hebrew Bible and there is no uncertainty that he was involved in the conception of Solomon’s Temple. To further strengthen this argument, it must be noticed that Hiram Abiff was himself an architect and Mason and was in charge of the building of King Solomon’s Temple.
However, some people have doubted the authenticity of this narration and there are various different versions of these events that all still point to ancient times.
A Masonic original copy known as Regius Poem in its 64 vellum pages written in Middle English, gives a beautiful narration of all the events leading to the origin of freemasonry in the old Egypt or to be accurate, in the contemporary city of Alexandria, It makes reference to that Euclid forged geometry and gave it another name of masonry.
This was done to draw in offspring of noble birth in ancient Egypt to this calling. This poem likewise cites the spread of masonry to various faraway terrains. It expresses that during the rule of King Athelstan who ruled as the King of Anglo Saxons from 924 A.D to 939 A.D, the art of masonry was introduced to England.
As indicated by this lyric, masons went to the King for guidelines, and he alongside the nobility devised fifteen decrees for each Mason to follow. These 15 decrees that are referenced in this original copy are considered as ethical codes by which each Freemason should live.
This original copy goes far back in times to 1390 AD and authenticates that Freemasonry existed during ancient times and it is anything but a contemporary prodigy as ruminated by a few of its derogators.
The most established lodge on the planet has been Mary’s Chapel situated at 19 Hill Street, Edinburgh, Scotland which has been in service since 1599 AD and is a lodge that must be without a doubt focused on.
Another significant fact that is ought to be referenced in this article is the Middle Eastern origin of Freemasonry as cited in legends about Freemasonry. This fraternity allegedly is known to have been established in the Middle East during ancient times.
Freemasonry is prohibited in most Middle Eastern nations since it was viewed as an important aspect of western colonizers that controlled this district all through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Without a doubt, Middle Eastern images are ubiquitous in different rituals and ceremonies of Freemasonry and we should not ignore the fact that all Abrahamic religions had also introduced in the Middle East. Along these lines, there is certainly somewhat association of the Middle East with freemasonry.
Some have likewise also exhibited proof which proposes that Freemasonry may have something to do with the crusaders and rulings built up by them, similar to the Knights Templars
With respect to the origin of Freemasonry and the mysterious outlook of this confederation, it’s very hard to find the authentic origin of Freemasonry due to varying arguments and assumptions regarding it.
However, one thing is for sure that Freemasonry was in effect in pre-renaissance medieval Europe and this is especially valid for England and Scotland.
William Schaw, who supervised the building of quite a few mansions and palaces for King James VI of Scotland, is one person whose relationship with Freemasonry is perfectly clear and there is no uncertainty that he was firmly connected with masons during the rule of King James I of England, during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centennials.
He built three masonic Statues between 1598 and 1601 and is well-known for them. These statues are significant articles for any individual who is keen on becoming familiar with Freemasonry since they give you an impression of how masons used to live and work about during his period. He is also viewed as the main freemason who was in charge of all masons in England.
We can say with affirmation that contemporary Freemasonry can be followed back to him and when the Regius poem was written in 1390 in the earlier time of England. However, it’d be inconceivable and unlikely to ruminate about the ancient history of Freemasonry in the Middle East as there are not many solid authentic records left from those times.