The Apron

Paper 28/2007 Title The Apron Author Bro Lawrence Oliver – United States of America Traditionally we learn that the first Humans wore aprons to hide t heir Genital areas. Most of them were fashioned of Fig leaves or other plants. This provided comfort and protection also it shield body fluids and acted as a sexual deterrent. So early symbolism as to the use or purpose of the apron would have been: nothing offensive from me will contaminate or soil you. So protection was in mind.
As time passed and a different society advanced t he Apron took on a new purpose, and that was to denote status or hierarchy in thei r communities. Eventually what is known as the work and serve ethic came into play and grew very strong in Mesopotamia and other early civilizations. The idea of serving God and Man became a major motivation or guide fo r Moral Conduct. Esoteric, Religious, and Temples ceremonies became known as service, particularly divine Service, or what we now know as Church. In the end, aprons became a costume and adopted modifi cations from the old work aprons to include honourable emblems for those who wish to serve their fellow-man for the sake of the Divine creator.
As we look into the use of the apron as far as Masonry is concerned in my humble opinion.
First, the probationer was made to wear their apron in a certain way; the “apprentice” with it in this position. Each should play a major role in the thought process of the wearer. He should be taught that with it in this position it shall be his Bib. In some ca ses a lot of emphasis is not being placed on the esoteric value of why he wears it as such. There is a symbolis m behind the apron as we w ill all see. But just as a butcher or a baker wear their aprons, even a detail as small as tying the tassel or string that hold it in place has a purpose. Second, the probationer becomes a Fellow of the Craft, and again the apron takes on a new face. It is no longer a shield. It has become a tool; a part of his equipment.
Third, as a Master there is no alteration to the apr on, the master is allowed to wear the apron in its entirety. All five points are shown. This is a symbol of completion;
The apron also symbolizes purity being that the colour is white. And the fact that it is lambskin has a significance all of its own. The lamb skin is an unspoken yet fully recognized prayer of obligation in itself. To wear the lamb skin is to say one is offering oneself to serve the Creator on behalf of one family. This should be considered before assuming or adorning an apron prior to entering a lodge or temple, and unless such sincerity is intended, it could be construed or thought of as a blasphemy against the Spirit the “server” is claiming to “serve”.