Masonic Bee: The Roots and Symbolism Behind It
The Masonic Bee or The Beehive is a Masonic symbol of hard work and diligence. Masonic Bees represent the Masonic virtues of industry, order, and prudence. These bees are often seen on Masonic rings as well as other Masonic jewelry such as Masonic pendants and cufflinks.
The Masonic Bee is a symbol that has been used in Masonic rituals for centuries. This article will cover what the Masonic Bee means, as well as its origins and symbolism behind it.
The Masonic Bee is an ancient symbolism
The Beehive is a symbol that was included in the Third Degree of Freemasonry which focuses on one’s duty to God, family and country. The beehive has been associated with several different social traditions throughout history but its symbolism for Masonry stems from Ancient Egypt.
The word “Behenian”, or behonestas appears in Greek magical papyri where it refers to substances used when consecrating amulets to specific deities. The bees were symbols of immortality because they did not die except through violence by another creature (i.e., stung to death). Bees are also seen as being worthy of veneration since their honey provides food for humans while simultaneously giving life to flowers without harming them. The bee therefore represents both the productive and destructive aspects of nature.
Bees were also associated with the goddesses Aphrodite and Demeter, who presided over love and fertility, respectively. The beehive is therefore a symbol of industry, fertility and productivity as well as resurrection or immortality. The bee hive also serves as a reminder to Freemasons that they should work together in unity to achieve their common goals.
Above all else, Freemasonry is about morality and virtue, with a focus on charity. Masons believe that by being industrious and working hard for what they have, they are being charitable to themselves and others.
What is the meaning of the Masonic Bee?
The Masonic bee is a symbol that has been around for centuries. It can be seen on many different Masonic items from mugs to aprons.
But what is the meaning of this symbol? The name “Masonic bee” is derived from the society’s belief in social equality and unity. In order to achieve this, they work together as a hive to accomplish a common goal.
In addition, the bee has been a symbol for hard work and cooperation since ancient times because it gives its life so that others may live. Bees have long been associated with craftsmanship and creativity as well as industry and diligent labor.
There are five reasons why the Freemason bee is so iconic and important to the masonic fraternity:
-The Freemasons uphold the principles of equality, liberty, and justice for all people.
-Bees exemplify industriousness, which reflects an important Masonic value.
-Craftsmanship is an integral part of Freemasonry whose members use their skills to make something beautiful or make something better.
-Freemasonry fosters creativity through its rituals and symbols.
-Bees wax and wane, but they always come back stronger.
How does it compare to other symbols?
When you think about Masonic symbols, you might think of the square and compass, The Great Architect of the Universe, or the letter “G.” But there is one symbol that stands out more than others: The Freemason bee.
The Freemason bee is a representation of a Mason’s hard work. It symbolizes a Mason’s commitment to their family, community, and fraternity. We also see this symbol used in many different Masonic items because it’s iconic and powerful.
Although we’ve seen this symbol for centuries, it has been most popularized in recent years with the release of Dan Brown’s book “Angels and Demons.” In the book, Brown discussed how The Beehive was an ancient symbol for democracy. And although Brown claimed this, most historians agree that it was not used as a democratic symbol until the late 1800s.
But what does this have to do with Freemasonry? At first glance, not much. But if you’re a Mason who frequents online forums or chats with other Masons on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter then it may be more recognizable. Masons have been using this phrase as a greeting for centuries. In fact, some people refer to each other as “Brother Bee.”
The bee’s significance in the Order of Freemasons is two-fold, namely to represent both industry and wisdom
The bee is one of the most industrious creatures on Earth and it was once said that a single bee could travel up to four miles in an hour. The hive is also a metaphor for the Masonic lodge where each member works together for the common good. The beehive is also associated with wisdom because bees are able to find their way back to the hive even if they have been lost. This analogy can be applied to Freemasons who use their knowledge and understanding of masonic symbolism to find their way back home (i.e., the Masonic lodge).
Freemasons often refer to themselves as “the Bees” which is another nod to this symbol’s importance in Masonry. By wearing jewelry or other items that feature the Masonic bee, Freemasons are reminding themselves of their duty to work industriously and with wisdom for the betterment of society. The bee is therefore a reminder that, as Freemasons, they should strive to be productive members of society who use their knowledge and understanding to make the world a better place.
Why is The Masonic bee so important to Freemasons?
The bee hive is a Masonic symbol of the brotherhood. The hive is symbolic of society, in which members work together to create unity and prosperity. The bees themselves are symbols of industriousness, harmony, and cooperation.
A beehive, or Masonic bee, can also represent man’s dependence on nature. Bees gather pollen from flowers to use as food for the hive; in the same way, humans gather resources for their communities. Another interpretation suggests that our dependence on bees for honey teaches us to value the importance of sharing what we have with others.
The Freemason bee is also said to represent immortality—another important message of the fraternity. It can remind Masons that death cannot separate them from their loved ones because they will always share eternity together in Heaven.
Conclusion
The Masonic bee has been a symbol for Freemasons for hundreds of years. It is a symbol of strength, industry, and frugality. The bee is also used to represent the fact that Freemasons should be good citizens and be prepared to work for the public good. Freemasons like their symbols like they like their virtues: simple, without adornment.
